Health
These 8 health screenings should be on your calendar for 2024, according to doctors
Beyond the common resolutions involving diet and exercise, the New Year is a great time to take stock of recommended health screenings and get them on the calendar, experts say.
Each person’s screening decisions will depend on individual factors such as gender, medical conditions, family history and other factors.
“Even if you’re feeling great, early detection is your best weapon against cancer,” Eric D. Whitman, M.D., system medical director of Atlantic Health System Cancer Care in New Jersey, told Fox News Digital.
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“When it comes to any type of cancer, the earlier you catch it, the better your survival rate and ability to treat the cancer becomes.”
In addition to cancer, preventive monitoring is also important for other diseases.
Each person’s screening decisions will depend on individual factors like gender, medical conditions, family history and other factors. (iStock)
Below are eight of the most important health screenings that doctors shared with Fox News Digital.
1. Mammography for breast cancer
The current guidelines from the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommend that women ages 40 to 49 discuss the risks and benefits of biennial mammograms with their doctor.
For women 50 and older, regular mammograms are recommended every two years.
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“With that said, women with a family history of breast cancer or genetic mutations like BRCA1/2 may need earlier or more frequent screening,” Eric D. Whitman, M.D., system medical director of Atlantic Health System Cancer Care in New Jersey, told Fox News Digital.
2. Colonoscopy for colorectal cancer
Average-risk adults aged 50 to 75 should undergo regular colonoscopies every 10 years, Whitman said.
“Individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease or certain genetic syndromes may need earlier or more frequent colonoscopies,” he said.
Average-risk adults aged 50 to 75 should undergo regular colonoscopies every 10 years, a cancer doctor said. (iStock)
Stool tests like FIT (fecal immunochemical test) or Cologuard can be alternative options for some patients, he added.
“It’s important to discuss your options with a physician to create a screening strategy that works best for you,” Whitman said.
3. Skin cancer screenings
Adults of all ages should perform regular self-skin exams and report any suspicious changes to their doctor, Whitman advised.
He also recommends seeing a dermatologist annually for a screening.
“Adults at higher risk due to fair skin, sun exposure or family history may need professional skin exams more frequently,” he said.
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“Early detection of skin cancer, particularly melanoma, is crucial,” the doctor added.
“Be aware of the ABCDEs of melanoma (Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter and Evolution) and promptly consult your doctor if you notice any concerning changes.”
4. Heart health screenings
Although heart disease remains a leading cause of death, in many cases it can be prevented or managed with proactive screening and lifestyle modifications.
Dr. Anjali Dutta, a cardiovascular specialist with Atlantic Health System in New Jersey, recommends that people get annual check-ups and screenings starting as early as age 21.
A cardiovascular specialist recommends that people get annual check-ups and screenings starting as early as age 21. (iStock)
“These visits should include basic assessments of blood pressure, heart rate, weight and general blood work, including complete blood count (CBC), comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) and Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c),” she told Fox News Digital.
“This baseline can reveal potential issues like high cholesterol, diabetes or early signs of heart disease.”
For patients whose results are normal, this screening can be repeated every two to three years, according to Dutta.
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For those who have risk factors like hypertension or a family history of heart disease, she said that annual screenings are crucial.
The doctor also recommends a baseline EKG at around age 40, but younger individuals with a family history of heart disease, arrhythmias or concerning symptoms — like palpitations or shortness of breath — may consider getting one earlier.
A cardiologist recommends a baseline EKG at around age 40, but younger individuals with a family history of heart disease, arrhythmias or concerning symptoms — like palpitations or shortness of breath — may consider getting one earlier. (iStock)
“This simple test can detect electrical abnormalities in your heart, potentially revealing hidden risks before symptoms arise,” she said.
For people 50 and older, Dutta suggests considering a stress test, which assesses the heart’s function under exertion, or an echocardiogram, which provides detailed images of the heart’s chambers and valves.
“These tests can identify blockages or weaknesses before they cause major problems,” she said.
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For individuals aged 40 to 70, Dutta said a coronary calcium score can also be beneficial.
“This painless screening tool is revealed via a CT scan to show the amount of plaque buildup in your coronary arteries, offering a glimpse into your future heart disease risk,” she said.
“It’s essential to have open communication with your doctor, even about seemingly minor concerns.”
“This information can empower you to adopt preventative measures like a healthy diet, exercise and stress management, even if you currently have no symptoms.”
“It’s important to remember that a healthy heart thrives on more than just screenings,” Dutta added. “That’s why it’s essential to have open communication with your doctor, even about seemingly minor concerns.”
5. Sleep health screenings
An estimated 39 million U.S. adults are living with sleep apnea, a sleep disorder that causes long pauses in breathing and drops in blood oxygen levels.
Beyond disrupting sleep, the condition can increase the risk for many chronic and deadly health conditions.
These include disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and early or sudden death, according to Dr. Chelsie Rohrscheib, the head sleep expert at Wesper, a New York-based company that makes sleep disorder diagnostics technology.
An estimated 39 million U.S. adults are living with sleep apnea, a sleep disorder that causes long pauses in breathing and drops in blood oxygen levels. (iStock)
“Testing for sleep apnea is recommended for people who have some or all of the following symptoms: chronically poor sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness, snoring, cognitive dysfunction, morning headache, waking up gasping or choking for air, chronic insomnia, high blood pressure or a heart rhythm disorder, frequent nighttime urination, and poor mood or mental health,” Rohrscheib told Fox News Digital.
Sleep apnea is easier to screen due to the availability of home sleep testing, which can detect sleep apnea while the patient sleeps in their own bed, the expert noted.
6. Cervical cancer screenings
Each year, about 11,500 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed and about 4,000 women die of the disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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Dr. Jeff Gordon, medical director of hematology-oncology at UMass Memorial Health-Harrington, recommends that women get cervical cancer screenings at age 25 and undergo primary human papillomavirus (HPV) testing every five years through age 65.
After that point, no screening is necessary if there is no history of disease within the past 25 years and if there has been “adequate negative prior screening” in the prior 10 years, Gordon told Fox News Digital.
Each year, about 11,500 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed and about 4,000 women die of the disease. (iStock)
If a primary HPV test is not available, the doctor — who also serves as a Connecticut state senator and sits on the Public Health Committee — recommends a pap smear combined with an HPV test every five years or a pap smear alone every three years.
7. Prostate cancer screenings
Some 288,300 new cases of prostate cancer were diagnosed in the U.S. in 2023, with around 34,700 men dying from the disease, according to the American Cancer Society.
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“Men should make informed decisions with their doctors about the possible benefits of PSA (prostate-specific antigen) tests starting at 50 years old for average risk, or earlier if higher risk,” Gordon told Fox News Digital.
“A digital rectal exam of the prostate is also considered.”
8. Retinal exams
Cases of diabetic retinopathy, a diabetes complication that affects the eyes, are expected to increase 72% by 2050, according to the CDC.
“Eye testing and early detection can help improve the quality of life for people with diabetes,” said Dr. Michael D. Abramoff, an Iowa-based retina specialist and the founder and executive chairman of Digital Diagnostics, an artificial intelligence health tech company.
Cases of diabetic retinopathy, a diabetes complication that affects the eyes, are expected to increase 72% by 2050, according to the CDC. (iStock)
While eye screenings are important at any age, roughly one-third of patients older than 40 have signs of diabetic retinopathy, he told Fox News Digital.
“A screening can detect complications ranging from floaters to blindness,” Abramoff said.
These are just some of the preventive health screenings that are available to patients.
“I encourage everyone to have an open and informed conversation with their doctor to develop a personalized screening plan that best suits their unique needs and risk factors,” said Whitman.
“Ultimately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach — it’s important to work with your doctor to craft a personalized screening plan based on your personal medical history, family history, risk factors and lifestyle.”
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Older adults who avoid meat in their golden years may be less likely to reach age 100 than their meat-eating counterparts, new research suggests.
Researchers tracked more than 5,000 adults aged 80 or older who were enrolled in the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey.
Between 1998 and 2018, data showed that those who did not eat meat were less likely to reach their 100th birthday than those who consumed animal products regularly.
The findings seem to contradict previous studies that have linked vegetarianism and plant-based diets to lower risks of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and obesity.
Most evidence supporting the benefits of plant-based diets comes from studies tracking younger populations, the researchers noted.
The findings contrast with previous research praising plant-based diets for their positive influence on heart health. (iStock)
The study, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, points to losses in muscle mass and bone density with age, shifts that can increase the risk of malnutrition and frailty in the “oldest old.”
As people enter their 80s and 90s, the nutritional priority often shifts from preventing long-term chronic diseases to maintaining day-to-day physical function, experts say.
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“The headline ‘vegetarians over 80 less likely to reach 100’ sounds surprising, because it contrasts with decades of data linking plant‑forward diets to lower chronic disease risk earlier in life,” Erin Palinski-Wade, a New Jersey-based registered dietitian, told Fox News Digital.
“However, once you see that this research is limited to adults over the age of 80 who are also underweight — and that this link disappears with the consumption of eggs, dairy and fish — the results are less surprising.”
While diets earlier in life tend to emphasize avoiding long-term disease, older age necessitates nutrients and weight maintenance, experts say. (iStock)
In those over 80, restricting animal proteins may be less likely to promote longevity, according to Palinski-Wade, who was not involved in the study.
Eliminating all animal protein — particularly in a population that may already experience diminished hunger cues — can make it more difficult to meet adequate protein needs, potentially increasing the risk of nutrient deficiencies, the nutritionist said.
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In addition to a higher tendency to be underweight, older populations also face a greater risk of bone fractures due to lower calcium and protein intake.
Potential limitations
The lower rate of vegetarians reaching 100 was only observed in participants identified as underweight, the researchers noted. No such association was found in people who maintained a healthy weight.
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Because being underweight is already linked to greater frailty and mortality risk, the researchers noted that body weight may partly explain the findings, making it difficult to determine whether diet itself played a direct role.
Those incorporating animal-sourced products other than meat were just as likely to live to 100. (iStock)
Additionally, the shortened lifespans were not found in people who continued to eat non-meat animal products, such as fish, dairy and eggs.
Older adults with these more flexible diets were just as likely to live to 100 as those eating meat, as these foods may provide the nutrients necessary for maintaining muscle and bone health, the researchers noted.
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“This is an observational study, so it can only show associations, and does not prove that avoiding meat directly reduces the odds of reaching 100,” Palinski-Wade added.
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The researchers suggested that including small amounts of animal-sourced foods could help older seniors maintain essential nutrients and avoid the muscle loss often seen in those who stick strictly to plants.
Eliminating all animal protein — particularly in a population that may already experience diminished hunger cues — can make it more difficult to meet adequate protein needs, potentially increasing the risk of nutrient deficiencies. (iStock)
Palinski-Wade offered some guidance for those looking to optimize nutrition later in life.
“For adults in their 80s and beyond, especially anyone losing weight or muscle, the priority should be maintaining a healthy weight and meeting protein and micronutrient needs — even if that means adding or increasing fish, eggs, dairy or well‑planned, fortified plant proteins and supplements.”
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Strict vegan or very low‑protein patterns at that age should be carefully monitored by a dietitian or clinician, with attention to B12, vitamin D, calcium and total protein, according to Palinski-Wade.
“Younger and healthier adults can still confidently use plant‑forward or vegetarian patterns to lower long‑term chronic disease risk,” she added.
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In a dramatic turn of events that’s captured the attention of animal lovers worldwide, Punch — the young macaque at a zoo in Japan famous for his inseparable bond with a stuffed orangutan toy — has reached a major milestone in his journey toward social integration.
On Thursday, visitors and staff at the Ichikawa Zoological and Botanical Garden witnessed a breakthrough: Punch was seen cuddling with and hitching a ride on the back of a fellow macaque.
Punch’s story began with hardship. He was abandoned by his mother shortly after his birth in July 2025 — and to ensure his survival, zookeepers stepped in to hand-rear the primate.
On Jan. 19, 2026, the zoo officially began the process of reintegrating Punch into the “monkey mountain” enclosure.
The transition was initially fraught with tension.
Punch’s story began with hardship when he was abandoned by his mother shortly after he was born. To help him, zookeepers gave him a stuffed toy that he began dragging around everywhere he went. (David Mareuil/Anadolu via Getty Images)
As a hand-reared infant, Punch was bullied and ignored by the established group of monkeys.
He was often seen huddled alone with his orange plush companion while the rest of the troop interacted.
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In an official statement released Feb. 27, the Ichikawa Zoological and Botanical Garden detailed the meticulous care behind this process.
Previous viral videos showed Punch bullied by the rest of the troop, running to his plushy toy for comfort. (David Mareuil/Anadolu via Getty Images)
“From an animal welfare perspective, our primary goal is to reintegrate Punch with the troop,” the zoo said.
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The strategy involved nursing Punch within the enclosure, so the troop could recognize him as one of their own, and pairing him with a gentle young female macaque prior to his full release to build his confidence.
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The latest footage, captured by X user @tate_gf, suggested the zoo’s patience is paying off.
The video shows Punch seeking physical contact not from his toy, but from another monkey — eventually climbing onto its back for a vital social behavior for young macaques: the “piggyback ride.”
The zoo’s strategy appears to be paying off: Punch, shown at far left, was recently seen riding on the back of a fellow macaque. (David Mareuil/Anadolu via Getty Images)
While Punch still carries his stuffed toy for comfort during moments of perceived danger, the zoo remains optimistic about his progress.
The organization cited the successful 2009 case of Otome, another hand-reared macaque who eventually outgrew her stuffed toy, successfully integrated — and went on to raise four offspring of her own.
The zoo has had crowds coming to see Punch, with hundreds of people lining up to get inside to see the young star, according to reports.
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“I’m hoping Punch has a good life like everybody else does, and think he’s a cute little guy,” one person commented online.
“Such a precious baby,” another person wrote.
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