Health Screening After 50: A Complete Guide for Adults in the West Island
The 50s are when preventive screening pays off the most — provided it actually happens. Here is what a modern checkup should cover after 50.
Why 50 matters
Fifty is the age when four screening programs formally begin or intensify: colorectal cancer (FIT or colonoscopy), breast cancer (mammography every 2 years to 74), lung cancer (LDCT for eligible smokers), and shingles vaccination. It is also the age when cardiovascular disease becomes the leading cause of death, and when many women complete the menopausal transition.
An organized annual assessment turns these into a single manageable plan instead of a scattered set of overdue tasks.
Cancer screening after 50
Colorectal: FIT every 2 years or colonoscopy every 10; earlier and more often with family history.
Breast: mammography every 2 years, 50–74 (PQDCS).
Cervical: continue Pap every 3 years or HPV every 5 years, to age 65.
Prostate: PSA discussion for men 50–70 (45 for African-Canadian men or those with family history).
Lung: annual LDCT if 55–74 with ≥ 20 pack-year smoking history and still smoking or quit < 15 years ago.
Skin: annual full-body exam if fair-skinned, prior sun damage, family history of melanoma.
Cardiovascular and metabolic
Blood pressure at every visit; home monitoring for any borderline or elevated reading.
Fasting lipid panel with ApoB annually or every 2 years; Lp(a) once.
HbA1c annually.
Consider coronary artery calcium score for intermediate-risk patients.
Screen for atrial fibrillation with pulse check; consider single-lead ECG if palpitations or family history.
Bone, hormones, and vaccines
DEXA scan at 65 (women) or 70 (men); earlier with risk factors (steroid use, early menopause, low body weight, fracture history).
Vitamin D and calcium status assessed and supplemented if needed.
Postmenopausal hormone therapy discussion for symptomatic women within 10 years of menopause.
Testosterone assessment in men with symptoms — see Testosterone deficiency.
Vaccines: shingles at 50, pneumococcal at 65, annual influenza, tetanus every 10 years, RSV as recommended.
Function, cognition, and lifestyle
Baseline cognitive screening if concerns or family history.
Grip strength, chair-rise, and gait speed provide surprisingly rich prognostic information.
Sleep apnea screening (STOP-BANG) in patients with hypertension, obesity, or reported snoring.
Alcohol screening (AUDIT-C) and structured smoking cessation if applicable.
Comprehensive medication review — the number of prescriptions rises steadily after 50 and deprescribing is under-practiced.
Organize your 50-plus checkup
The Complete Health Assessment is designed to consolidate this checklist into one visit and one written plan. Book via the contact form, or explore all options in Health Assessments.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need cervical screening after 65?+
Usually no, if the last three tests have been normal and there is no history of high-grade lesions.
Is a coronary calcium score covered by RAMQ?+
Not routinely. It is available privately and often useful for intermediate-risk patients making decisions about statin therapy.