Health screenings by age help identify certain conditions before symptoms develop. However, screening does not mean testing everyone for every possible disease. The appropriate tests depend on age, anatomy, medical history, family history, lifestyle, medications and other risk factors.
In Alberta, screening recommendations also reflect provincial programs. For example, average-risk colorectal screening generally begins at age 50, while routine breast screening is recommended from ages 45 to 74. Cervical screening begins at age 25 for eligible people with a cervix who have had sexual contact.
Quick answer: Children generally need growth, development, immunization and age-appropriate health reviews. Adults should receive preventive screening based on individual risks and provincial guidance. Cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular and bone-health screening become more relevant from midlife onward.
Health Screenings by Age: Quick Reference
| Age group | Screenings and preventive care to discuss |
|---|---|
| Birth to age 5 | Growth, development, nutrition, physical examination, hearing or vision concerns, oral health and immunizations |
| Ages 6–17 | Growth, development, mental health, school concerns, vision, hearing, immunizations and risk-based testing |
| Ages 18–24 | Blood pressure, mental health, sexual health, STI testing based on risk, immunizations and lifestyle risks |
| Ages 25–39 | Blood pressure, cervical screening for eligible patients, mental health, sexual health and risk-based diabetes or cholesterol testing |
| Ages 40–49 | Diabetes screening, blood pressure, cardiovascular risk, cervical screening and breast-screening discussions |
| Ages 50–64 | Breast, cervical and colorectal screening when eligible, diabetes, cardiovascular risk and bone-health assessment based on risk |
| Ages 65–74 | Ongoing cancer screening when eligible, medication review, falls, bone health, hearing, vision, mobility and chronic-condition monitoring |
| Ages 75+ | Individualized screening based on health, function, life expectancy, previous results and personal preferences |
This table is a general overview. Screening schedules can change, and people at increased risk may need earlier or more frequent testing.
What Is a Health Screening?
A health screening is a test or assessment used to look for a condition before a person develops symptoms. Screening is different from diagnostic testing.
For example:
- A screening mammogram checks for breast cancer in an eligible person without breast symptoms.
- A diagnostic mammogram investigates a lump, nipple discharge or another breast change.
- A fecal immunochemical test checks for hidden blood in the stool of an eligible person without symptoms.
- A colonoscopy may investigate rectal bleeding or follow an abnormal screening result.
This distinction matters because symptoms should not wait for the next routine screening date. New lumps, unexplained bleeding, persistent pain, shortness of breath or other concerning changes require medical assessment.
Why Screening Recommendations Change With Age
The likelihood of developing certain conditions changes over a lifetime. Screening is usually recommended when evidence suggests that finding a condition early may provide more benefit than harm for a particular group.
Possible risks of screening include:
- false-positive results;
- anxiety;
- unnecessary repeat testing;
- overdiagnosis;
- discomfort; and
- complications from follow-up procedures.
A family physician can help weigh these considerations against personal risk and preferences.
Health Screenings for Babies and Children Under 5
Health reviews in the first five years focus on growth, development and prevention rather than routine blood tests.
Visits may include:
- weight, length or height and head-circumference measurements;
- feeding and nutrition;
- developmental surveillance;
- physical examination;
- sleep and behaviour;
- hearing or vision concerns;
- oral health;
- family well-being;
- injury prevention; and
- immunizations.
The Canadian Rourke Baby Record provides evidence-informed guidance for preventive visits from the first weeks of life through age five.
Children born prematurely or living with developmental concerns, chronic conditions or significant family risk may require additional monitoring.
Infiniti Medical Clinic provides paediatric care in Calgary focused on preventive health, development and common childhood medical concerns.
Health Screenings for School-Aged Children
For children ages 6 to 12, preventive visits may address:
- height, weight and growth pattern;
- nutrition and physical activity;
- sleep;
- school performance;
- social and emotional well-being;
- vision or hearing concerns;
- dental health;
- immunizations; and
- family medical history.
Routine bloodwork is not automatically needed for every healthy child. Testing may be appropriate when symptoms, family history, medication use or other risk factors are present.
A child should be assessed sooner if they experience developmental regression, unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, frequent headaches, difficulty breathing or symptoms affecting school participation.
Health Screenings for Teenagers
Teenage preventive care should reflect physical development, mental health and increasing independence.
A visit may include confidential discussion of:
- mood, anxiety and stress;
- sleep;
- nutrition and physical activity;
- puberty and menstrual health;
- sexual health;
- contraception;
- STI testing based on sexual history and risk;
- substance use;
- school performance;
- relationships and personal safety; and
- immunization status.
Routine diabetes or cholesterol screening is not necessary for every teenager. Earlier testing may be considered for youth with relevant medical or family risk factors.
Health Screenings in Your 20s
Healthy adults in their twenties may not need a comprehensive physical or blood tests every year. Preventive care should instead focus on individual risks and services that are due.
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure can be checked during primary-care visits. More frequent assessment may be appropriate for people with diabetes, kidney disease, pregnancy, previous high readings or increased cardiovascular risk.
Cervical Cancer Screening
In Alberta, eligible people with a cervix ages 25–49 generally have a Pap test every three years. Screening usually begins at age 25 or three years after first sexual contact, whichever is later, unless a healthcare provider recommends otherwise.
Screening may still be needed after HPV vaccination. It may not be needed after complete removal of the cervix, depending on the reason for surgery and previous results.
Infiniti Medical Clinic offers women’s health services, including Pap tests for eligible patients based on current provincial guidance.
Sexual Health and STI Testing
STI testing is based on sexual history, symptoms, partners, pregnancy and exposure risk rather than age alone.
Testing may be appropriate:
- with a new sexual partner;
- after sex without barrier protection;
- after a partner tests positive;
- when symptoms occur; or
- at an interval recommended for someone with ongoing risk.
Mental Health
Mental-health screening may be appropriate when a person reports persistent sadness, anxiety, sleep changes, loss of interest, substance use or difficulty functioning.
Health Screenings in Your 30s
Preventive care in the thirties generally continues to focus on blood pressure, cervical screening when eligible, mental health, sexual health and individual cardiovascular or diabetes risks.
A physician may also discuss:
- pregnancy planning;
- previous gestational diabetes;
- family history of early heart disease or cancer;
- smoking or vaping;
- sleep apnea symptoms;
- medication monitoring; and
- unexplained weight changes.
People with a history of gestational diabetes may need ongoing diabetes screening after pregnancy. The timing should be confirmed with a healthcare professional.
Routine full-body imaging or broad blood-test panels are not recommended simply because someone has entered their thirties.
Health Screenings in Your 40s
Several screening discussions become more relevant in the forties.
Type 2 Diabetes Screening
Diabetes Canada recommends screening for type 2 diabetes every three years beginning at age 40, or earlier for people at high risk. More frequent testing may be appropriate when additional risk factors are present.
Risk factors may include:
- a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes;
- previous gestational diabetes;
- prediabetes;
- high blood pressure;
- abnormal cholesterol;
- polycystic ovary syndrome;
- sleep apnea;
- certain medications; or
- belonging to a population with increased diabetes risk.
Breast Cancer Screening
In Alberta:
- Ages 40–44: Discuss personal risk and the benefits and limitations of mammography with a healthcare provider.
- Ages 45–74: Screening mammography is generally recommended every two years or at an interval decided with a healthcare provider.
People with a strong family history, genetic risk or previous breast disease may need a different plan.
Cardiovascular Risk
A clinician may assess blood pressure, smoking, diabetes risk, cholesterol, family history and other factors to estimate cardiovascular risk.
Not everyone needs cholesterol testing at exactly the same age or frequency. The interval depends on baseline results and overall risk.
Infiniti Medical Clinic’s men’s health services can support age-appropriate discussions about cardiovascular, sexual and prostate health.
Health Screenings in Your 50s
Health screenings by age become especially relevant in the fifties because several Alberta cancer-screening programs include this age group.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
In Alberta, adults ages 50–74 at average risk are generally advised to complete a fecal immunochemical test, or FIT, every year.
FIT looks for small amounts of blood in the stool that may not be visible. An abnormal result requires follow-up, usually with a colonoscopy.
People with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or high-risk polyps may need colonoscopy and may need to begin screening at age 40 or earlier.
Do not use screening as a substitute for symptom assessment. Rectal bleeding, persistent bowel changes, unexplained abdominal pain or unintentional weight loss should be assessed at any age.
Cervical Cancer Screening
Alberta introduced HPV-based cervical screening for eligible people ages 50–69 in November 2025.
Current provincial guidance generally recommends:
- Ages 25–49: Pap testing every three years when eligible.
- Ages 50–69: HPV-based cervical screening every five years, or every three years for some immunocompromised patients.
The appropriate test and interval depend on previous results, immune status, anatomy and clinical history.
Breast Cancer Screening
Eligible people ages 50–64 generally continue screening mammography every two years in Alberta, unless a different interval is recommended.
Bone-Health Risk
Routine bone-density testing is not required for every person at age 50. Earlier assessment may be appropriate after a fragility fracture or when several osteoporosis risk factors are present.
Health Screenings in Your 60s
People in their sixties generally continue age-appropriate cancer and cardiovascular screening while also reviewing bone health, medications and function.
Relevant areas may include:
- breast screening through age 74 when eligible;
- cervical screening through age 69 when eligible;
- colorectal screening through age 74;
- diabetes screening;
- blood pressure and cardiovascular risk;
- bone-density testing based on fracture risk;
- hearing and vision;
- medication side effects;
- falls and balance; and
- recommended immunizations.
People with a significant smoking history may be eligible for lung cancer screening through Alberta’s provincial program. Eligibility is risk-based and should be assessed through the program or a healthcare professional rather than determined by age alone.
Health Screenings in Your Early 70s
Screening decisions in the early seventies should consider overall health, previous results and personal preferences.
Bone-Density Screening
Osteoporosis Canada’s 2023 guideline suggests baseline bone mineral density testing:
- at age 70 when no clinical fracture risk factors are present;
- at age 65 when one risk factor is present; or
- from ages 50–64 after an osteoporosis-related fracture or when at least two risk factors are present.
Risk factors and follow-up intervals should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Cancer Screening Through Age 74
For eligible average-risk Albertans:
- breast screening generally continues through age 74;
- colorectal screening generally continues through age 74; and
- cervical screening generally continues through age 69.
These are screening recommendations for people without symptoms. New symptoms require assessment regardless of age or the date of the last screening test.
Health Screenings After Age 75
After age 75, screening becomes more individualized. The potential benefit of detecting a condition must be considered alongside:
- overall health;
- mobility and function;
- frailty;
- other medical conditions;
- life expectancy;
- possible harms from follow-up testing;
- personal preferences; and
- whether treatment would be appropriate if a condition were found.
For example, Alberta recommends discussing whether to continue breast screening after age 75. Colorectal screening is not routinely recommended after 74 for average-risk adults, although individual circumstances may differ.
Medication review, falls, memory, hearing, vision, nutrition and daily functioning may become more important parts of preventive care.
Infiniti Medical Clinic provides geriatric health services for older adults in Northwest Calgary.
Other Important Screenings That Are Not Based Only on Age
Mental-Health Screening
Depression, anxiety, substance use and other mental-health concerns can occur at any age. Assessment should be based on symptoms, life changes and individual risk rather than waiting for a particular birthday.
Skin Assessment
Routine population-wide skin cancer screening does not have one universal schedule. Speak with a physician about a new or changing mole, a sore that does not heal, unusual bleeding or a personal or family history of skin cancer.
Prostate-Health Assessment
Prostate cancer screening is not an automatic test for every man of a certain age. PSA testing involves possible benefits and harms. The decision should reflect age, family history, ancestry, symptoms, health and personal preferences.
Urinary changes, blood in the urine, pelvic discomfort or other symptoms require assessment rather than routine screening alone.
Hearing and Vision
Vision and hearing needs depend on symptoms, medical conditions and previous results. People with diabetes, certain medications or known eye or ear disease may need more frequent assessment.
Blood Pressure Monitoring
A single office reading may not always show a person’s usual blood pressure. When readings vary or hypertension is suspected, a physician may recommend home measurements or 24-hour blood pressure monitoring.
When Should Screening Begin Earlier?
Earlier or more frequent screening may be appropriate because of:
- a strong family history of cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis or early cardiovascular disease;
- a known genetic condition;
- previous abnormal results;
- a personal history of cancer or high-risk polyps;
- smoking history;
- pregnancy or gestational diabetes;
- chronic kidney disease;
- a weakened immune system;
- long-term use of certain medications;
- a previous fragility fracture; or
- symptoms that require diagnostic testing.
Tell your healthcare provider about conditions affecting parents, siblings and children, including the age when the condition was diagnosed.
Do You Need Every Screening Test Each Year?
No. Screening too frequently can create false-positive results and unnecessary follow-up. Conversely, missing recommended screening can delay the detection of certain conditions.
A useful preventive-care visit should answer:
- Which screenings am I eligible for?
- When was my last test?
- Were the results normal?
- When should it be repeated?
- Has my family or medical history changed?
- What are the benefits and possible harms?
- What happens if the result is abnormal?
Infiniti Medical Clinic’s family practice and walk-in clinic provides preventive care and general medical consultations based on physician availability and clinical assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What health screenings should adults have?
Screening may include blood pressure, diabetes risk, cholesterol or cardiovascular-risk assessment and age-appropriate cancer screening. The appropriate tests depend on age, anatomy, medical history and risk.
At what age should health screenings begin?
Preventive care begins in infancy with growth, development and immunization reviews. Adult screening schedules depend on the condition. In Alberta, cervical screening generally begins at 25, diabetes screening at 40, breast screening is routinely recommended from 45 and colorectal screening begins at 50 for average-risk adults.
Do I need blood tests every year?
Not necessarily. Blood tests should be based on symptoms, risk factors, medications, medical conditions or a recommended screening schedule. Healthy people do not automatically need broad annual bloodwork.
When does colorectal cancer screening begin in Alberta?
Average-risk adults ages 50–74 are generally advised to complete a FIT every year. People with a personal or family history may need earlier screening or colonoscopy.
When should women begin mammograms in Alberta?
Women ages 40–44 can discuss their risk and preferences with a healthcare provider. Routine screening mammography is generally recommended every two years from ages 45–74.
At what age should bone-density testing begin?
Osteoporosis Canada suggests baseline bone-density testing at age 70 without risk factors. Testing may begin at 65 with one risk factor or between 50 and 64 after an osteoporosis-related fracture or with at least two risk factors.
Plan Your Health Screenings in Northwest Calgary
Health screenings by age provide a starting point, but they do not replace individualized care. Your screening schedule should reflect your anatomy, health history, family history, previous results and personal preferences.
Infiniti Medical Clinic offers medical services in Northwest Calgary, including family medicine, women’s health, men’s health, paediatric care and geriatric health services.
Book an appointment or call 403-460-4502 to discuss your preventive-care needs and current availability.
This article provides general educational information and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Screening recommendations may change and may differ for people at increased risk. Symptoms should be assessed without waiting for a routine screening appointment.