Your 50s are a remarkable time in life—a stage where you’re likely focusing on family, career stability, or even planning your well-deserved retirement. But alongside all of that, your health becomes a top priority. It’s not something we always want to think about, but we can’t afford to ignore it.
Regular health checkups and screening tests in your 50s help you catch issues early so you can enjoy your life fully for decades to come. But let’s be honest: healthcare is expensive. The costs can add up fast between routine exams, specialist visits, and diagnostics, especially if you don’t have traditional health insurance.
Therefore, this guide will walk you through the essential medical tests you should prioritize in your 50s and provide some practical, money-saving tips to ensure those tests don’t break the bank.
Medical Tests in 50s: Which Ones Should You Prioritize?
Turning 50 is a major health milestone, and with it comes the responsibility of staying ahead of potential health issues before they arise. While you may feel healthy and energetic, certain conditions can sneak up quietly in your 50s. That’s why regular medical tests are vital to maintaining your well-being.
But knowing which tests are essential can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to balance your budget. Consider some key screenings that can provide a solid picture of your health and catch any problems early so you can take action while they’re manageable.
Heart Screenings
Your heart works hard every day, and it deserves some extra attention in your 50s. Here are the heart screening tests you shouldn’t skip:
- Blood pressure screening: Blood pressure screenings measure the force of blood against your artery walls to check for high blood pressure. Blood pressure can increase in your 50s due to lifestyle, stress, or genetics, putting you at high risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Regular screenings can help catch high blood pressure early so you can manage it through diet, exercise, or medication.
- Cholesterol screening (lipid panel): This blood test measures your levels of HDL (good) cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglycerides. High cholesterol levels can quietly damage your arteries, leading to heart disease or stroke. So it’s important to keep an eye on these levels in your 50s.
- Body Mass Index (BMI) calculation: BMI is a simple calculation that compares your weight to your height. While it doesn’t tell the entire story of your health, it’s an important indicator of obesity-related risks such as diabetes, heart disease, and high cholesterol. Maintaining a healthy BMI becomes even more important as your metabolism slows in your 50s.
Colon Screening
A colon screening, often referred to as a colonoscopy or colorectal cancer screening, is a procedure that examines your large intestine and rectum for signs of cancer or precancerous growths called polyps. There are multiple ways the screening may be conducted.
One test involves inserting a flexible tube with a camera into the rectum to allow doctors to view the inside of your colon. A fecal occult blood test (FOBT) is also commonly used as part of colon cancer screening. This non-invasive, at-home test checks for hidden blood in the stool, which can be an early sign of colorectal cancer or other digestive conditions like:
- Polyps
- Ulcers
- Hemorrhoids
Since the risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with age, most doctors recommend starting colorectal cancer screenings at age 50 and continuing every 10 years, or more frequently if they discover polyps or if you have a family history of colorectal cancer.
Catching colon cancer early is key to successful treatment, and in many cases, polyps can be removed during the procedure before they turn cancerous. Even if you feel perfectly healthy, colon cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, making regular screenings an essential part of preventive care in your 50s.
Blood Glucose Test
A blood glucose test, or diabetes screening, measures the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood, which can indicate whether you’re at high risk for or already have diabetes. The test is typically a simple finger prick or blood draw.
The blood glucose test is especially important in your 50s because your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar can decline with age, leading to a significantly increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Uncontrolled high blood sugar can lead to a host of serious health problems, including:
- Heart disease
- Kidney damage
- Vision issues
Regular blood glucose testing allows you to catch abnormal levels early and manage them through diet, exercise, or medication before they cause long-term damage.
Osteoporosis Screening
Osteoporosis screening typically involves a bone density test known as a DEXA scan, which measures the strength and density of your bones. This test uses low-dose X-rays to check for signs of bone thinning and weakening, especially in areas where fractures are most likely to occur, such as your spine, hips, and wrists.
Bone density tends to decrease rapidly in your 50s due to changes in hormone levels, especially for women post-menopause, putting you at higher risk for osteoporosis. By catching early signs of bone loss through screenings, you can take preventive measures, such as:
- Increasing calcium and vitamin D intake
- Adjusting your exercise routine to include more strength training
- Starting medications that preserve bone mass
Skin Cancer Screening
During a skin cancer screening, a dermatologist performs a visual examination of your skin to check for abnormal moles, spots, or other marks that could be signs of skin cancer. The dermatologist will examine all areas of your skin, even those not exposed to the sun, to ensure nothing is missed. If they find a suspicious legion, they may perform a biopsy to further investigate.
Skin cancer becomes more common with age, particularly after years of sun exposure. In your 50s the cumulative effect of UV damage increases the risk of developing skin cancer, including the more dangerous form, melanoma. Regular annual screenings can catch it early when it’s most treatable.
Reproductive Tests
For women, reproductive health in your 50s means continuing regular Pap smears until at least age 65. Also called a cervical cancer screening, a Pap smear is a test that checks for abnormal cells in the cervix that could indicate cervical cancer or precancerous conditions.
During a Pap smear, a healthcare provider gently scrapes cells from your cervix for lab testing. While cervical cancer is less common in women over 50, routine cervical cancer screening can detect changes early enough to prevent cancer development altogether.
For men, prostate cancer screening becomes increasingly important in your 50s, as the risk of prostate cancer rises with age. A prostate cancer screening can involve two types of tests:
- PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test: Measures levels of PSA in the blood.
- Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): The doctor manually checks the prostate for abnormalities.
Both tests can help detect early signs of prostate cancer, which often has no symptoms until it’s advanced. Regular screenings help you catch any potential problem early when treatment options are more effective.
Breast Cancer Screening
Breast cancer screening typically involves a mammogram, which is an X-ray of the breast that can detect lumps or abnormalities that may indicate cancer before they can be felt. The American Cancer Society recommends that women begin yearly mammograms at age 50, though some may start earlier based on personal or family history.
The risk of breast cancer increases in your 50s, so regular mammograms are crucial for early detection. This quick, non-invasive screening method thus allows you to access breast cancer treatment while it’s most effective.
4 Saving Tips for Health Screenings in Your 50s
Healthcare costs can add up quickly, especially when it comes to essential screenings in your 50s. Thankfully, there are several ways you can save on medical tests without compromising the quality of your care.
1. Enroll in a Discount Medical Plan
Discount health memberships like AmeriPlan offer significant savings on a variety of health services, including dental, vision, telehealth visits, and more. For a low monthly fee, these plans provide discount lab tests, essential screenings, and even prescriptions. Unlike traditional insurance, discount plans have no deductibles or waiting periods.
2. Take Advantage of Free Screening Events
Many community health centers, hospitals, and pharmacies offer free health screenings throughout the year. Keep an eye out for local events that provide blood pressure checks, cholesterol tests, or glucose monitoring at no cost.
3. Shop Around for Lab Tests
Many independent labs offer discounted rates for common screenings like blood tests, cholesterol panels, and bone density scans. Before getting your tests done, compare prices online or ask your healthcare provider for recommendations on affordable lab options in your area.
4. Use Your FSA/HSA
If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA), use these tax-advantaged accounts to pay for health screenings. FSA and HSA contributions use pre-tax dollars, meaning you can save significantly on out-of-pocket expenses like medical tests, lab work, and prescriptions. While HSA funds roll over, FSA funds don’t. So be sure to check which tests are eligible and use these funds before they expire.
Get Affordable Care for a Healthier Future with AmeriPlan
Taking care of your health in your 50s doesn’t have to be stressful or break the bank. By staying on top of essential screenings, you’re investing in a healthier, more vibrant future for yourself and your loved ones.
These tests are key to catching potential health issues early, giving you peace of mind as you navigate this important stage of life. While the cost of medical care can be a real concern, there are ways to get the screenings you need without sacrificing your financial stability.
That’s where AmeriPlan comes in. With affordable options that cover everything from dental and vision to telehealth consultations and discounted prescriptions, our discount health programs provide a safety net for families who need a budget-friendly solution to stay proactive about their health.
Ready to prioritize your health while saving money? Join the 200,000+ members who trust AmeriPlan for their healthcare needs. Sign up for our affordable discounted health benefit plans today and take the first step toward affordable, comprehensive care that keeps you and your family protected for years to come.
Essential Medical Tests in Your 50s: Key Takeaways
- Medical tests in your 50s are essential for catching potential health issues early, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, allowing for timely intervention and better long-term outcomes.
- Key tests you should prioritize in your 50s include heart screenings, colorectal cancer screening, blood glucose tests, osteoporosis screenings, skin cancer checks, and reproductive health screenings like Pap smears, prostate cancer tests, and breast cancer screenings.
- You can save on necessary health tests by utilizing discount medical plans, attending free screening events, shopping around for lab tests, and leveraging FSA/HSA accounts for out-of-pocket expenses.