Health Screenings for Young Adults

Core Health Assessments

Blood pressure screening should be performed at every clinical visit, as cardiovascular risk assessment begins in young adulthood 2
Lipid screening is NOT routinely recommended at age 23 unless specific risk factors are present (family history of premature cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, or BMI ≥25 kg/m²) 2
Diabetes screening with hemoglobin A1C should be performed if BMI ≥25 kg/m² with additional risk factors including first-degree relative with diabetes, high-risk race/ethnicity, hypertension, HDL <35 mg/dL, or triglycerides >250 mg/dL 2
Complete blood count and comprehensive metabolic panel are not routinely indicated at this age without specific clinical indications 2
Diet and exercise habits should be reviewed with specific counseling on healthy lifestyle choices 1

Prostate cancer screening is NOT recommended at age 23 - PSA testing discussions should not begin until age 45-50 for average-risk men, or age 40-45 for high-risk men (African American or strong family history) 3, 4, 1, 2
Colorectal cancer screening is NOT recommended until age 45 1, 2
Testicular examination should be performed as part of the cancer-related checkup, though evidence for routine screening by physician or self-examination is insufficient 5, 6, 7

Do not order PSA testing at this age - it provides no benefit and leads to unnecessary anxiety and procedures 3, 4
Do not perform routine comprehensive metabolic panels or CBCs without clinical indication, as this leads to false positives and unnecessary follow-up 2