Many health conditions can develop quietly, without obvious symptoms in their early stages. Routine screening can help identify certain risks or conditions earlier, creating an opportunity for monitoring, lifestyle changes, further assessment or treatment when appropriate.
But screening is not one-size-fits-all. The tests that may be right for you depend on your age, health history, family history, sex, anatomy and other risk factors.
Here are several common screenings worth discussing with your healthcare provider.
Typical age: Adults
Who it applies to: Everyone
High blood pressure often develops without noticeable symptoms. Over time, uncontrolled blood pressure can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and other health problems.
Hypertension Canada recommends that blood pressure be assessed in adult patients at appropriate healthcare visits.
Knowing your numbers can help you and your healthcare provider recognize changes and determine whether additional monitoring is needed.
Ask your healthcare provider:
• When was my blood pressure last checked?
• Are my readings within an appropriate range for me?
• Do I have risk factors that require closer monitoring?
• Would checking my blood pressure at home be useful?
One unusual reading does not necessarily mean you have high blood pressure. Repeat measurements or home monitoring may be recommended to develop a clearer picture.
Typical age: Starting at age 40 for routine screening
Who it applies to: Everyone
Type 2 diabetes can develop gradually, and some people may have elevated blood sugar without realizing it.
Diabetes Canada recommends screening every three years beginning at age 40. Screening may begin earlier or happen more frequently for people with additional risk factors.
Risk factors can include:
• A family history of type 2 diabetes
• Previous prediabetes
• A history of gestational diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Certain cholesterol abnormalities
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Other health and lifestyle factors
Testing may include an A1C or fasting blood glucose test.
Screening can also identify prediabetes, when blood sugar is higher than normal but has not reached the range used to diagnose diabetes.
Typical age: Age 40 and older
Who it applies to: Everyone
High cholesterol usually does not cause noticeable symptoms, but it can contribute to cardiovascular disease over time.
The Canadian Cardiovascular Society recommends lipid screening for men and women over age 40, as well as for some younger people with certain conditions or risk factors. Regular cardiovascular risk assessment is also recommended for adults between 40 and 75.
A cholesterol test may look at:
• LDL cholesterol
• HDL cholesterol
• Total cholesterol
• Triglycerides
• Other measurements when clinically appropriate
Your healthcare provider will usually consider these numbers alongside other factors such as your blood pressure, smoking status, diabetes, family history and overall cardiovascular risk.
Typical age: Generally ages 50 to 74 for average-risk adults
Who it applies to: Everyone
Colorectal cancer screening can help identify cancer or changes that may lead to cancer before symptoms develop.
The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care recommends screening average-risk adults between ages 50 and 74.
Screening commonly involves a stool test such as a fecal immunochemical test (FIT). Recommendations and starting ages can vary by province or territory, so it is important to check your local screening program.
You may need a different screening plan if you have:
• A family history of colorectal cancer
• Previous colorectal polyps
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• A hereditary condition that increases colorectal cancer risk
Screening is intended for people without symptoms. Blood in your stool, unexplained weight loss or persistent changes in bowel habits should be discussed with a healthcare provider rather than waiting for routine screening.
Typical age: Generally begins around age 25 and continues into the late 60s
Who it applies to: Women
Cervical cancer screening can identify abnormal cell changes before they develop into cancer.
Canadian Task Force guidance recommends routine screening from ages 25 to 69 for eligible people, although screening programs are increasingly changing how HPV testing is used and recommendations vary across provinces and territories.
Your screening schedule may be different if you:
• Have previously had an abnormal screening result
• Are immunocompromised
• Have had a hysterectomy
• Have other factors that affect cervical cancer risk
HPV vaccination is an important form of prevention, but people who are eligible for cervical screening should still follow the recommendations provided by their provincial or territorial program.
Typical age: Often ages 40 to 74
Who it applies to: Women
Mammography can help detect breast cancer before it causes noticeable symptoms.
Breast screening recommendations have been evolving across Canada. The Canadian Cancer Society currently recommends mammography every two years from ages 40 to 74, while access and provincial or territorial screening-program criteria vary.
Talk with your healthcare provider about:
• Your age
• Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
• Previous breast findings
• Breast density, if known
• Your personal level of risk
• The potential benefits and limitations of screening
If you notice a new lump, nipple changes or another unusual breast change, speak with a healthcare provider rather than waiting for your next routine mammogram.
Typical age for a discussion: Around age 50 for average-risk individuals and potentially earlier for those at higher risk
Who it applies to: Men
Unlike some other screening programs, prostate cancer screening is not a simple one-size-fits-all recommendation.
The Canadian Cancer Society recommends having an informed discussion about PSA testing beginning around age 50 for people at average risk and around age 45 for people at higher risk, including those with a strong family history and people of African or Caribbean ancestry.
At the same time, the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care recommends against routine PSA screening because of concerns about false-positive results, overdiagnosis and potential harms from unnecessary follow-up and treatment.
Because recommendations differ, the decision is best made with a healthcare provider after discussing:
• Your age
• Family history
• Personal risk factors
• Potential benefits and limitations of testing
• What further testing could involve if PSA levels are elevated
Typical age: Routine bone mineral density screening generally begins around age 70 in people without additional risk factors
Who it applies to: Everyone, although osteoporosis is more common after menopause and with increasing age
Osteoporosis can weaken bones gradually and may not become apparent until a fracture occurs.
Osteoporosis Canada recommends bone mineral density testing starting at age 70 for people without additional risk factors. Testing may be appropriate earlier for people ages 50 to 69 who have certain fracture or osteoporosis risk factors.
Earlier assessment may be considered for people with:
• A previous fragility fracture
• Long-term use of certain medications, including corticosteroids
• A family history of hip fracture
• Low body weight
• Frequent falls
• Certain medical conditions associated with bone loss
A healthcare provider can help determine whether a bone mineral density test is appropriate.
Typical age: Ages 55 to 74 for certain people at higher risk
Who it applies to: People who meet specific smoking-history criteria
Lung cancer screening is not recommended for everyone.
Canadian Task Force guidance recommends low-dose CT screening for adults ages 55 to 74 with a substantial smoking history who currently smoke or stopped within the previous 15 years.
Eligibility is based on several factors, including:
• Age
• Current or previous smoking
• How much and how long a person smoked
• Individual health history
Screening should take place through an appropriate lung cancer screening program rather than through a routine chest X-ray.
If you have symptoms such as a persistent cough, coughing up blood or unexplained shortness of breath, speak with a healthcare provider instead of waiting for screening.
Your healthcare needs extend beyond this list.
Depending on your age, health history, medications and individual risk factors, your healthcare provider may also recommend assessment or screening related to:
• Kidney health
• Vision
• Hearing
• Certain infectious diseases
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Skin changes
• Mental health
• Other health concerns based on your personal or family history
The goal is not to have every available test. It is to receive the right screening at the right time based on your individual risk.
Routine screening is generally designed to look for certain health concerns before symptoms appear.
If you develop something new, persistent or concerning, you do not need to wait until you are due for a screening test.
Speak with a healthcare provider about changes such as:
• Unexplained weight loss
• Unusual or persistent bleeding
• A new lump or swelling
• Persistent changes in bowel habits
• Significant or worsening changes in your health
Seek immediate medical attention for severe symptoms such as chest pain, severe difficulty breathing or other signs of a medical emergency.
You do not have to wait until something feels wrong to think about your health.
Knowing your family history, keeping track of previous screening results and speaking with a healthcare provider about your individual risks can help you understand which screenings may be appropriate and when.
Preventive care is most useful when identifying a potential concern leads to a clear next step, whether that means continued monitoring, additional testing, treatment or follow-up.
MembersHealth's care model supports early detection, physician-led clinical action, navigation and coordinated follow-up when appropriate.
Not sure which screenings may be appropriate for you?
MembersHealth can help you connect with a physician to review your health history, family history and individual risk factors and determine appropriate next steps. MembersHealth's physician-led model is designed to support timely clinical guidance, coordinated care and preventive health management.
Take a proactive approach to your health. Connect with MembersHealth to discuss your preventive care needs.