Health Education Editor · Last reviewed January 2025
Preventive care — including routine screenings, immunizations, and counseling about health behaviors — is one of the highest-value investments in healthcare. Many of the most common serious diseases (colorectal cancer, cervical cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes) are either preventable through lifestyle modification or detectable at earlier, more treatable stages through routine screening. Yet preventive care remains significantly underutilized in the United States.
The USPSTF: The Authority on Preventive Recommendations
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is an independent panel of experts that reviews the evidence on preventive interventions and issues letter-grade recommendations (A, B, C, D, I). A and B recommendations are covered without cost-sharing for most plans under the ACA. Updated USPSTF recommendations are available at uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org.
Key Screening Recommendations for Adults
Cancer screening: Colorectal cancer screening (colonoscopy every 10 years or annual stool-based testing) starting at age 45; cervical cancer screening (Pap smear every 3 years or Pap plus HPV co-test every 5 years) ages 21–65; lung cancer screening (annual low-dose CT) for adults 50–80 with a 20 pack-year smoking history who currently smoke or quit within 15 years; breast cancer mammography (biennial) ages 40–74.
Cardiovascular and metabolic screening: Blood pressure screening at every adult healthcare contact; Type 2 diabetes screening for overweight/obese adults ages 35–70; lipid screening for cardiovascular risk assessment; abdominal aortic aneurysm ultrasound (once) for men ages 65–75 who have ever smoked.
Mental health and behavioral health screening: Depression screening for all adults; anxiety screening (added to USPSTF A recommendations in 2023) for adults under 65; alcohol use screening with brief counseling intervention for adults; tobacco use screening and cessation counseling for all adults.
Adult Immunization Schedule
The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) publishes the adult immunization schedule annually. Key adult vaccines include: influenza (annually); COVID-19 (updated formulation annually or as recommended); Tdap (one dose then Td booster every 10 years); shingles (Shingrix, 2-dose series, ages 50+); pneumococcal vaccines (PCV15 or PCV20 plus PPSV23 for adults 65+); and hepatitis B (for unvaccinated adults). Check with your provider or the CDC's vaccine information at cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/.
The Most Impactful Preventive Behaviors
Beyond screenings and vaccines, the most evidence-supported preventive health behaviors are: not smoking (or quitting — the most impactful single health behavior change possible for smokers); regular physical activity (150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity plus muscle-strengthening); maintaining a healthy weight; eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins; limiting alcohol; prioritizing sleep; and managing chronic stress.
Related: Healthy Aging · Hypertension · Diabetes