Screenings You Shouldn't Skip in Your 40s

Major clinical organizations, including the American Cancer Society, recommend that average-risk adults begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45. A colonoscopy remains the most comprehensive option — it can detect and remove precancerous polyps in a single procedure — but stool-based tests such as the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) or multi-target stool DNA tests are also widely used alternatives.

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, yet it is also one of the most preventable when caught early. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, your provider may recommend starting earlier than 45 or screening more frequently.

High blood pressure (hypertension) is sometimes called the "silent killer" because it rarely causes noticeable symptoms until damage to the heart, kidneys, or brain has already occurred. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends blood pressure screening for all adults, and its importance grows significantly in your 40s as the prevalence of hypertension increases with age.

Normal blood pressure is generally considered to be below 120/80 mmHg. Adults with readings in the elevated or stage 1 hypertension range may be candidates for lifestyle interventions, while those with higher readings may benefit from additional evaluation. Regular monitoring — whether in a clinical setting or at home with a validated device — is key to staying informed.

The USPSTF recommends screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in adults aged 35 to 70 who are overweight or have obesity. Your 40s put you squarely in this window. Fasting blood glucose tests and the HbA1c (hemoglobin A1c) test are the two most common screening tools; the latter reflects average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months.

Prediabetes — a state of elevated but not yet diabetic blood sugar levels — affects an estimated 96 million American adults, and the majority are unaware. Early identification creates an opportunity to make lifestyle changes that can meaningfully delay or prevent the progression to type 2 diabetes.

A lipid panel measures total cholesterol, LDL (low-density lipoprotein), HDL (high-density lipoprotein), and triglycerides — all markers that inform cardiovascular risk. Abnormal levels, particularly elevated LDL, are a major modifiable risk factor for heart disease and stroke, the leading causes of death in the United States.

The USPSTF and American Heart Association recommend cholesterol screening for all adults, with frequency depending on results and risk factors. For many people in their 40s without prior screening or known risk factors, this decade is a natural time to establish a baseline and assess overall cardiovascular health.

Breast cancer screening recommendations have evolved in recent years. The USPSTF updated its guidance to recommend that women begin biennial (every two years) mammography screening at age 40. This shift reflects evidence that earlier screening can reduce breast cancer mortality, particularly for Black women, who have a higher rate of being diagnosed at younger ages and with more aggressive forms of the disease.

Women with a family history of breast cancer, known genetic mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, or other elevated risk factors should discuss a personalized screening plan with their provider, which may include earlier or more frequent mammograms or additional imaging such as MRI.

Comprehensive eye exams do more than update prescriptions — they can detect early signs of glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and other conditions that, if caught late, can result in permanent vision loss. The risk of several eye diseases increases with age, making regular exams increasingly important through your 40s and beyond.

Many eye conditions progress silently for years. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that adults without existing eye disease or risk factors have a comprehensive exam at age 40 to establish a baseline, with follow-up schedules tailored to individual findings and risk.

Melanoma and other skin cancers are among the most common cancers in the United States, and cumulative sun exposure over decades means your 40s are a meaningful time to pay close attention to skin changes. While there is currently no universal USPSTF recommendation for routine skin cancer screening by a clinician in average-risk adults, dermatologists widely encourage annual full-body skin exams — especially for those with a history of significant sun exposure, a personal or family history of skin cancer, or numerous atypical moles.

Performing regular self-examinations and reporting any new, changing, or unusual spots to a healthcare provider promptly remains a practical and evidence-aligned approach for most adults.