Annual Health Exam

Recommended Periodic Physical Exams by Age & Gender: Health Canada 2025 Guidelines

Why Periodic Exams Matter: Beyond the Annual Checkup

  • Traditional yearly physicals lack evidence for reducing mortality or major disease outcomes
  • Health Canada endorses personalized periodic preventive visits based on age, gender, and risk factors.
  • These visits focus on targeted screenings, counseling, and immunizations proven to improve health.
  • Especially critical for adults over 65 to maintain independence and reduce mortality.

Ages 20–39: Early Adult Screening Essentials (Men & Women)

  • Blood pressure: Check every 2–5 years if normal; more often if elevated or if risk factors exist.
  • BMI: Annual monitoring to track healthy weight management.
  • Cholesterol: Begin screening at 20 for men and 40 for women; repeat every 5 years or sooner if risks are present.
  • Sexual health:
    • STI screening annually for sexually active individuals or more if high risk.
    • Men: Monthly testicular self-exams starting late teens
    • Women: Cervical cancer screening starts at age 25 with HPV testing replacing Pap smears in 2025.
  • Immunizations: Tetanus boosters and travel vaccines as needed.

Ages 40–64: Midlife Screening Focus (Men & Women)

  • Blood pressure: Annual checks are recommended.
  • Cholesterol & Diabetes: Routine cholesterol screening begins at 40 for men and 45 for women; diabetes screening also starts at 40.
  • Cancer screenings:
    • Women: Mammography every 2–3 years from age 40–74; clinical and self-breast exams are not routinely recommended.
    • Men: Discuss prostate cancer screening starting at 50 (or 45 if high-risk such as Black men or family history).
  • AAA (Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm): One-time ultrasound for men aged 65–80 who have smoked.
  • Continue sexual health screening as appropriate.

Ages 65 and Older: Focus on Independence & Mortality Reduction

  • Preventive visits: Annual or periodic visits are strongly recommended.
  • Comprehensive review: Includes medication management, lifestyle, social factors, and full organ system checks.
  • Screening: Tailored based on risk, prior history, and life expectancy.
  • Cancer screenings: Continue as appropriate; cervical cancer screening may stop after 70 if previous results were normal.
  • Additional focus: Fall-risk assessment, cognitive screening, and vaccination updates (influenza, pneumococcal, shingles).

Gender-Specific Screening Highlights: Women

  • Cervical cancer: HPV primary screening every 5 years from ages 25–69; discontinue at 70 if adequately screened.
  • Breast cancer: Mammography every 2–3 years from ages 40–74; clinical breast exams not routinely recommended.
  • Osteoporosis: Begin screening at age 65 or earlier if risk factors are present.
  • Pregnancy & reproductive health: Counseling and assessments provided as needed.

Gender-Specific Screening Highlights: Men

  • Testicular cancer: Monthly self-exams starting in the late teens.
  • Prostate cancer: Screening discussions start at 50; earlier (45) for high-risk groups.
  • AAA screening: One-time ultrasound for men 65–80 with smoking history.
  • Cardiovascular risk monitoring: Ongoing checks due to higher male incidence rates.

Takeaway: Personalized Preventive Care Saves Lives

Periodic, risk-based physical exams replace outdated one-size-fits-all annual checkups. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best screening plan for your age and risk level. Early detection and preventive counseling improve outcomes and longevity. Stay informed, stay proactive, and follow Health Canada’s 2025 preventive care guidelines to protect your long-term well-being.