10 Health Screenings People Over 40 Skip That Could Save Their Lives
Turning 40 is a milestone—and one that often comes with reminders about taking care of your health. But even with regular check-ups, many people over 40 skip crucial health screenings that could catch serious problems early. Doing those screenings can mean the difference between treatable issues and life-threatening disease. In this article, you’ll learn about 10 health screenings people over 40 often miss, why each matters, and how simple actions now could save your life (or someone you care about).
1. Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes Testing
Many adults over 40 skip blood-sugar screening, thinking they’re “not that kind of person,” but early detection matters. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in adults aged 35 to 70 who are overweight or obese. Untreated high blood sugar over time damages organs, raises the risk of heart disease, kidney problems, and vision loss. Because diabetes can be stealthy—with few or no symptoms early—skipping screening often means discovering it only when complications begin. Getting a simple fasting glucose test or HbA1c regularly can help you act early: with diet, exercise, or medication.
2. Cholesterol/Lipid Profile Tests
Having your cholesterol checked regularly is one of the most basic health screenings, yet many over 40 don’t keep up. For men 35 and older—and women 45 and older if at higher risk—the USPSTF strongly recommends screening for lipid disorders. Elevated LDL (“bad”) cholesterol or low HDL (“good”) cholesterol significantly increases risk of heart attack and stroke. Because people often feel fine despite high cholesterol, skipping it means missing a chance to reduce risk via lifestyle or medications. A lipid profile every few years (or sooner if you have risk factors) is a smart move.
3. Blood Pressure Monitoring
High blood pressure (hypertension) is called the “silent killer” for good reason—and many over 40 assume that if they feel okay, their blood pressure must be fine. In reality, screening annually or more often (if previously elevated) is essential. Left uncontrolled, high blood pressure strains the heart, leads to strokes, heart disease, kidney damage, and more. Home monitoring or regular checkups give you early warning. If your readings are creeping up, even lifestyle changes like less salt, more activity, weight control, and stress reduction can make a big difference.
4. Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colon cancer is one of the leading cancers in the U.S., but screening significantly improves chances of catching it early or preventing it altogether. Recommendations generally call for people 45 to 75 to be screened via colonoscopy, stool tests, or other methods. Many people avoid it because of discomfort or fear, but ignoring colorectal screening can mean getting diagnosed much later, when treatment is harder. If there’s a family history or symptoms like blood in stool or weight loss, don’t delay. Talk with your doctor about which screening method fits best (stool test, colonoscopy, etc.).
5. Mammograms for Women (Breast Cancer Screening)
For women over 40, mammograms are a key health screening most experts now say should begin around age 40. Early detection of breast cancer often allows less invasive treatment and much better survival rates. Some women skip it due to cost, fear, or believing they’re low risk—but most cancers are treatable when found early. Talk to your provider about risk (family history, genetics) and whether you might need more frequent or additional imaging (such as ultrasound or MRI). Regular mammograms (every 1-2 years, or per guidelines) remain one of the most effective tools.
6. Lung Cancer Screening for Smokers or Former Smokers
People who have smoked heavily or quit recently often underestimate how much lung cancer risk remains. USPSTF recommends annual low-dose CT scans for adults aged 50-80 (depending on history) who have a smoking history (20 pack-years) and currently smoke or quit within 15 years. Detecting lung cancer early via screening can significantly improve survival compared to discovery after symptoms appear. Many skip it either because they feel fine, think symptoms like cough are due to smoking or something else, or because CT scans are intimidating. If you have that kind of smoking history, bring it up with your doctor: early CT screening could give you a much better chance.
7. Bone Density Screening (Osteoporosis Risk)
While osteoporosis is often thought of as a “woman’s disease,” men over 40 and women beyond menopause also face bone-loss risks. Reduced bone density increases the chances of fractures—especially hip, spine, and wrist breaks—that can be life-changing. Many skip bone density scans until after a serious fracture. If you have risk factors—such as long-term steroid use, family history, low body weight, or history of major falls—screening earlier than usual may be warranted. Ask your doctor whether a DEXA scan or similar test is appropriate, especially if you feel back pain, have lost height, or have risk conditions.
8. Eye Exams for Vision and Retinal Health
Vision changes creep up slowly; many people over 40 dismiss them, thinking “just aging”—but regular eye exams are a health screening that can spot more than just glasses issues. Exams can reveal glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and early indicators of high blood pressure or neurological disease. Loss of peripheral vision often goes unnoticed until significant damage has happened. Even people without known eye issues benefit from a comprehensive eye exam every 2-4 years (more often if risk factors exist). Early detection protects vision and quality of life.
9. Pap Smears/HPV Tests/Cervical Cancer Screening (for Women or Those Assigned Female at Birth)
Though many people think cervical cancer screening is only for younger women, guidelines call for continued screening into middle age, up to about age 65. The Pap test every three years, or HPV testing (or both) every five years for those in the 30-65 age range, is usually recommended. Skipping these screenings risks missing early-stage precancerous changes or early cancers that are highly treatable. Even if you believe you’re low risk, factors like previous abnormal results, multiple sexual partners, or HPV history can increase your risk. Staying with regular screening until the age and risk where your provider says it’s safe to stop helps prevent avoidable disease.
10. Depression/Mental Health Screening
Mental health is health, but many over 40 think depression or anxiety issues are “just part of life” and don’t bring them up. Yet health screenings for depression (and sometimes anxiety) are recommended regularly for adults—especially because untreated mental health issues have big effects on physical health (stress, heart disease, immune function). Catching depression early allows treatment that improves life quality, relationships, and overall health. Doctors often ask screening questions during checkups, but being open with your provider if you’ve felt persistent sadness, loss of interest, or fatigue helps. Mental health screening is an easy health screening that many avoid—but one with huge potential to save lives.
Screen Early, Not Late
If you’re over 40, skipping regular health screenings isn’t just risky—it can cost years of healthy life or worse. These health screenings don’t need to be scary or difficult. Start by making a checklist: blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes tests, cancer screenings, eye exams, and mental health. Talk with your healthcare provider about your specific risk factors and family history, and build a screening schedule that makes sense. Early detection usually means more treatment options, fewer complications, and a much higher chance of living well. You deserve to be proactive—your future self will thank you.
Which health screening have you been putting off—maybe “just because you feel fine”? Do you plan to schedule any of these screenings now? Share in the comments below.
