What screenings do I need at 40?

Forty is the decade screening gets real - the tests that were 'not yet' start arriving. For women: mammograms begin - the US Preventive Services Task Force recommends women at average risk get one every 2 years from 40 to 74, per the CDC's screening guidance; earlier and more often with a strong family history, which is a conversation to have at 40, not 50. For everyone: colorectal screening is close - the CDC says begin soon after turning 45 - so 40 is when to put it on the calendar and ask which type (stool tests at home versus colonoscopy). The continuing list from your thirties keeps running: blood pressure at visits, cholesterol on a regular cycle (and statin conversations begin for many in this decade if risk adds up), blood sugar screening - type 2 diabetes onset clusters here, especially with extra weight or family history; cervical screening continues for women per the schedule you and your doctor chose. Do not forget the quiet ones: an eye exam (reading vision shifts in the forties, and glaucoma screening matters with family history), dental cleanings, skin checks, and the vaccine maintenance - flu yearly, Tdap/Td booster, COVID current, per the CDC. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, that can build your personal list from your history and risk factors.