As we get older, checkups and screenings become a routine part of life. Many of us grew up believing that “the more tests, the better,” but medicine today paints a different picture. More testing isn’t always safer. In fact, some medical tests can be unnecessary, uncomfortable, or even harmful once we reach a certain age.
Major health authorities like the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Mayo Clinic, and the American Cancer Society now recommend tailoring tests to each person’s age, medical history, and overall health goals. The focus has shifted from “testing everyone” to “testing wisely.”
Let’s walk through five common medical tests and explore what experts say about whether they’re truly necessary after 70.
1. Colonoscopy After 70
For decades, colonoscopy has been considered the gold standard for detecting colon cancer. It saves lives by catching cancers early. But the USPSTF currently recommends routine colon cancer screening only until age 75, provided you’ve had normal results before. After that, the benefits start to decline, and the risks, such as bleeding, infection, or even a tear in the bowel, become more significant.
George, a 78-year-old from Cleveland, learned this firsthand. He had a normal colonoscopy at 65 and another at 70. When he asked about scheduling one at 75, his doctor explained, “You’ve been consistently clear. Unless new symptoms appear, the risks may outweigh the rewards.” That reassurance freed George to focus more on his diet, exercise, and family time instead of dreading another invasive test.
The American Cancer Society echoes this advice: beyond 75, the decision should be highly individualized, and after 85, screening is generally not recommended.
