It’s the season for screenings
Annual wellness visits and preventive screenings are key to keeping you healthy. Use this guide to make sure you’re up to date on the checks that matter most.
Preventive screenings are one of the simplest ways to take care of your health. This guide breaks down common screenings by age and risk, so it’s easier to know which tests to schedule and when to talk with a provider about what’s right this year.
The screening: Colon cancer
The test: A colonoscopy
Why: The colonoscopy is the best test to check for colon cancer. During this test, a doctor uses a flexible tube with a camera to check your rectum and colon for polyps while you’re sedated. Most polyps are harmless, but some can become cancerous. They can be removed during a colonoscopy for testing.
When to get it: Starting at age 45. If results are normal, every 10 years through age 75.
The screening: Breast cancer
The test: A mammogram
Why: The breast X-ray helps find signs of cancer.
When to get it: Annually for cisgender women ages 45 to 54. Then, every two years as long as you’re in good health. Transgender women and men who have taken hormone therapy for five or more years should have a mammogram starting at age 50.
The screening: Cholesterol
The test: Blood test
Why: Unhealthy cholesterol levels are a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. High cholesterol has no symptoms.
When to get it: Once in your teens. Every five years after age 20. You may need more frequent testing if you’re at a higher risk of heart disease.
The screening: Prostate cancer
The test: PSA
Why: Helps detect early prostate cancer in men. It measures a protein made by the prostate gland called prostate-specific antigen (PSA).
When to get it: Men between the ages of 55 to 69 should talk to their doctor about their risk factors to decide if a PSA test is right for them. The CDC does not recommend routine screenings for those age 70 and older.
The screening: Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
The test: AIC or fasting blood sugar
Why: Nearly one-quarter of U.S. adults with diabetes are undiagnosed. These tests can be used to diagnose prediabetes or diabetes.
When to get it: Beginning at age 45, then every three years if blood sugar is normal. Ask your doctor about starting earlier or testing more often if you’re at a higher risk for diabetes.
The screening: Lung cancer
The test: CT lung scan
Why: Yearly CT lung scan can cut the risk of death from cancer by up to 20% in long-term healthy smokers.
When to get it: Annually for people ages 55 to 80 who smoked one pack per day for 20 years or two packs per day for 10 years.
The screening: Cervical cancer
The test: HPV test and Pap test
Why: An HPV test looks for the human papillomavirus, a virus that can cause cervical cancer. A Pap test looks for abnormal cells that can lead to cervical cancer. May be given as an HPV/Pap co-test.
When to get it: Starting at age 21. Those 21 to 29 years old should have a Pap every three years. From age 30 to 65, you have three options 1) Pap and HPV co-test every five years, 2) Pap test alone every three years, 3) HPV test alone every five years. At age 65 you can stop, unless you’ve had an abnormal test in the past 10 years.
Health support at your fingertips
Our Registered Nurse Health Coaches1 are available 24/7 at no extra cost to help you set goals and navigate your health journey. Visit ibxmedicare.com/healthcoach to get started, or call 1-800-332-3102 (TTY/TDD: 711).
1. You have the right to opt in or opt out of these services. Simply advise your Health Coach or case manager at any time if you wish to end your relationship with them. You may also call the number on the back of your member ID card and ask that you not be contacted by a Health Coach in the future.
Independence Blue Cross offers PPO, HMO-POS, and HMO Medicare Advantage plans with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Independence Blue Cross PPO, HMO-POS, and HMO Medicare Advantage plans depends on contract renewal.
Website last updated 01/29/2026
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