Turning 50? Here’s What to Check to Protect Your Health

Written By Wanda Belisle

Reaching 50 doesn’t have to be a crisis. But it is a checkpoint. The decisions you make now can help you avoid serious health problems later.

There’s a lot of noise out there—anti-aging gimmicks, fad tests, overpriced supplements. Here’s what science and BC’s provincial guidelines actually recommend checking at 50.

1. Colorectal Cancer Screening

Start now. Don’t wait.
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Canada, but it’s also highly preventable. If you’re 50–74 and at average risk, you should:

  • Do a FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test) every 2 years
    It’s simple, free, and done at home.

  • If it’s abnormal, we’ll follow up with a colonoscopy.

Family history? We might start screening earlier.

2. Blood Pressure

High blood pressure often has no symptoms—but it’s a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

  • Check it at least every year.
    If it's consistently above 130/80, we’ll talk about lifestyle and treatment options.

3. Cholesterol and Heart Risk

Your risk of heart attack goes up with age.
At 50, it’s time to check:

  • Cholesterol panel (LDL, HDL, triglycerides)

  • Fasting blood sugar or HbA1C for diabetes

  • Then calculate your 10-year cardiovascular risk

Based on your numbers, we may recommend diet changes, exercise, or medication like statins.

4. Type 2 Diabetes

Age 40+? It’s time.
We screen every 3–5 years using:

  • Fasting glucose or

  • HbA1C (average blood sugar over 3 months)

If you have risk factors (high weight, family history, inactivity), we may screen more often.

5. Cancer Screening (Breast, Cervical, Prostate)

Breast Cancer:

  • If you’re a woman aged 50–74, book a mammogram every 2 years.

  • Screening saves lives. It’s free. No referral needed in BC.

Cervical Cancer:

  • Pap tests are still needed until age 69, even if you've had kids or menopause.

Prostate Cancer:

  • There’s no universal recommendation.

  • If you’re 50+ and want to discuss PSA testing, talk to your doctor about the pros and cons. It’s not for everyone.

6. Bone Health

Fractures can be life-altering.

Women 50+ with risk factors (early menopause, family history, low weight) may need:

  • A bone density test (DEXA scan)

Men? We assess case-by-case. Vitamin D and weight-bearing exercise help at any age.

7. Mental Health Check-In

Mental wellness matters. Depression and anxiety can show up in new ways after 50. If you’ve noticed low energy, mood changes, sleep issues, or just don’t feel like yourself—bring it up. It’s valid. It’s treatable.

8. Vaccinations

Keep your immune system sharp:

  • Shingles vaccine (Shingrix): recommended for adults 50+

  • Pneumococcal vaccine: especially if you have other conditions

  • Flu shot: every fall

  • COVID booster: as advised

9. Lifestyle Matters More Than Ever

Still the basics—but more important now:

  • Move your body (even a 30-min walk helps)

  • Eat real food most of the time

  • Sleep 7–8 hours

  • Limit alcohol and quit smoking

  • Stay socially connected

  • Do something that brings you joy

Want Help Making a Plan?

Call the clinic to book an appointment and we’ll go over it together. Prevention works best when it’s personalized.

DISCLAIMER:

This post is intended for general information only and does not replace medical advice. Screening recommendations may vary based on your personal and family history. Please consult your physician or healthcare provider to discuss what’s right for you.

Wanda Belisle
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