Health Screenings

To keep your body in tip-top shape, use this list to make sure vital health screenings are done on a generally suggested schedule. Following the below regimens will also help you take charge of your whole well-being.

Test	Who is tested	What is the test	How often should I be tested
Blood pressure	Men and Women	A simple device wrapped around your arm measures the pressure of blood vessels to screen for heart disease and stroke.	At least annually, along with your yearly physical
Bone mineral density	Men and Women	An X-ray exam that measures bone density and determines bone strength and risk for osteoporosis.	Those with no risk factors should get their first test at age 65 (for women) or 70 (for men). If, however, you are 50 or older and you have risk factors for osteoporosis, or if you are a woman of menopausal or postmenopausal age (yet younger than 65) with risk factors, ask your doctor about getting screened earlier.
Breast exam and mammogram	Women	A breast exam is a physical check of your breasts and helps determine if there are any changes in the tissue that could indicate cancer. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breasts that screens for cancer.	Experts have differing opinions as to the recommended screening schedule. The American Cancer Society recommends that women aged 40 and older do a breast self-exam monthly and get a clinical (physical) breast exam by a health professional and a mammogram every year. If you are at increased risk for breast cancer, you may need to start screening earlier and get additional tests.
Colorectal screening	Men and Women	Three tests that screen for colorectal cancer: High-sensitivity Fecal Occult Blood Count ("FOBT") which checks for hidden blood in stool samples; Flexible Sigmoidoscopy, in which a flexible, lighted tube is used to inspect the interior walls of the rectum and part of the colon; Colonoscopy, in which a lighted flexible tube is used to inspect the interior walls of the rectum and the entire colon.	FOBT should be done every year starting at age 50. Sigmoidoscopy should be done every 5 years starting at age 50. Colonoscopy should be done every 10 years starting at age 50.
Dental exam	Men and Women	An exam of the teeth and gums done by a dentist and usually accompanied by a cleaning.	Every six months unless your dentist recommends otherwise
Eye exam	Men and Women	An optometrist or ophthalmologist checks for any eye conditions, such as glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration and assesses your vision.	There are no universal standards for frequency of exams. Some doctors recommend yearly exams, while others recommend exams every two to four years. If you have an eye condition or you wear glasses, you may need to go more frequently.
Genital exam	Men	Testicular screening is a self-exam of the testes in which you feel for any changes that may indicate a cancerous tumor. STD screening, done by a medical professional determines whether or not there are any sexually transmitted diseases present.	Discuss this with your doctor based on your age and sexual activity. There are no standard recommendations for everyone.
Lipoprotein check - fasting	Men and Women	A blood test that screens for heart disease and stroke by measuring the two types of cholesterol - HDL and LDL - and triglycerides, the fat-like substances in the body.	At least every five years. Have the test done more frequently (per your doctor's recommendation) if you have high cholesterol or other risk factors for cardiovascular disease, or are over age 50 from women or age 45 for men.
Pelvic exam, pap smear and HPV test	Women	A pelvic exam screens for signs of STD's and abnormalities of the cervix or uterus. A Pap smear in which the cervix is swabbed to obtain a sample of cells, checks for infections and abnormal cervical cells. The Pap smear is a preliminary screen for the Human Papilomavirus ("HPV"), which can lead to cervical cancer. If Pap results show abnormalities, the sample will be further tested for HPV.	Recent recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists state that women age 30 and older should get Pap smears every two years, depending on the results and their doctor's recommendations. If you have had irregular results in the past or you have other risk factors for cervical cancer you may need more frequent screening.
Prostate screening	Men	A digital rectal examination ("DRE") is a physical examination of the rectum done by a medical professional to assess if there are any bumps on the prostate that may indicate cancer. A prostate specific antigen ("PSA") test is a blood test that screens for prostate cancer.	Many experts recommend DRE and PSA every one to two years for men age 50 and older. Discuss this with your doctor based on your personal and family history because experts have varying opinions as to when testing should start and how frequently it should be done.
Skin check	Men and Women	A visual examination by a dermatologist to screen for skin cancer.	Annually, unless your dermatologist recommends otherwise.

These recommendations are general guidelines. If you have a personal or family history of any of these illnesses, or you are at increased risk for these illnesses for any other reason, your doctor may suggest screenings at an earlier age and/or on a more frequent basis.