5 Screenings Every Adult Should Get by Age 40
Your 30s are a time of growth, change, and often, a lot of responsibility. Whether you’re building a career, raising a family, or both, your health is the foundation that supports it all. As you approach 40, it’s the perfect time to take a proactive approach to preventive care. Routine health screenings can catch problems early, when they’re easier to treat. At Fairfax Family Practice Centers (FFPC), we work with patients across Northern Virginia to build personalized care plans that include the right screenings at the right time. Here are five health screenings every adult should consider by age 40.
1. Blood Pressure Screening
High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects nearly half of American adults—and many don’t even know they have it. It’s often called the “silent killer” because it usually has no symptoms but can increase your risk for heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. A simple cuff test during a routine visit can catch it early.
If your reading is above the normal range (typically 120/80 mmHg), your provider may recommend lifestyle changes, regular monitoring, or medication. Regular checks starting in your 20s are advised, but it becomes especially critical as you reach your late 30s and early 40s.
2. Cholesterol Screening
Cholesterol is another important marker of heart health. A fasting blood test can measure total cholesterol, HDL (good cholesterol), LDL (bad cholesterol), and triglycerides. High LDL levels can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries and increase your risk for heart attacks and strokes.
You should have your cholesterol checked at least once every 4-6 years starting at age 20, but more frequently if you have risk factors like diabetes, obesity, or a family history of heart disease. If your levels are elevated, your FFPC provider can help with a personalized plan that may include diet changes, exercise, and in some cases, medications.
3. Diabetes Screening
Diabetes affects more than 1 in 7 Americans and is becoming more common among younger adults. Left untreated, it can lead to complications including nerve damage, heart disease, and vision loss.
Your provider may recommend a fasting blood sugar test or an A1C test (which measures your average blood sugar over three months). These screenings are especially important if you have a BMI over 25, a sedentary lifestyle, or a family history of diabetes.
Catching pre-diabetes early gives you the chance to make meaningful changes and prevent progression. FFPC can support you with diet counseling, activity plans, and referrals to specialists if needed.
4. Cervical Cancer Screening (Pap Smear and HPV Test)
For women, cervical cancer screening is an essential part of preventive health. A Pap test checks for abnormalities of the cervix that could become cancerous. An HPV test, performed at the same time as the Pap, looks for high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus that cause most cases of cervical cancer.
Screening is recommended every three years for women aged 21 to 29 and every five years (when combined with HPV testing) for women aged 30 to 65. If you haven’t had a Pap smear recently, your FFPC provider can include it in your next visit.
5. Skin Cancer Screening
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. It can affect people of all ages and skin types, especially those with significant sun exposure or a family history of melanoma. Regular skin exams by your provider, as well as monthly self-exams, can help catch problems early.
Ask your provider to look at any moles, freckles, or patches of skin that have changed in size, shape, or color. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
Bonus: Other Screenings to Discuss
While the five screenings above are essential, you may also want to talk to your provider about:
- Breast cancer screening (mammograms)
- Colon cancer screening
- STI testing
- Mental health assessments
- Bone density tests (especially if you have risk factors for osteoporosis)
Final Thoughts
Preventive care is one of the most effective ways to stay healthy, lower your long-term healthcare costs, and feel confident about your wellbeing. By getting these screenings done by age 40, you’re taking an important step in protecting your future.
For decades, FFPC’s practices have been here to guide you through each stage of life with compassionate, personalized care. Contact your practice or find a location near you to make an appointment and talk to your provider about which screenings are right for you.