If you’ve bought a new car, then no doubt you were given a maintenance schedule designed to keep your car running in tip-top shape. But what about YOU? Do you know which tests and screenings you need so you know whether or not you’re in the best of health?
Below are tests based on how frequently they are needed. Keep in mind these are general guidelines for adults. The right plan of care for you may be different based on your medical history or lifestyle. You should talk to your physician to create a plan for screenings just for you and contact your insurance provider prior to any test or procedure to find out what is covered.”
EVERY 1-2 YEARS
Routine check-up (all adults)
This can spot problems early on or prevent certain conditions from occurring. During this time, you can develop a plan with your doctor about what screenings are right for you.
Blood pressure (hypertension) screening (all adults)
Left untreated, high blood pressure can damage your arteries, leading to complications like heart disease. Smoking, lack of exercise and being overweight increase your risks of developing high blood pressure. If you are at higher risk or have diabetes, heart disease or kidney problems, your doctor may want to have your blood pressure checked more frequently.
Skin cancer screening (all adults)
Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. If you spend a lot of time in the sun, have fair skin that freckles easily, or have red or blonde hair, you are at a higher risk for developing non-melanoma skin cancer.
Lung cancer screening (all adult smokers)
Lung cancer is the leading cause of deaths in both men and women, claiming more lives each year than colon, prostate, ovarian and breast cancers combined. A low dose CT scan is used to detect and tumors or lesions in the lung, catching cancer early when it is still very treatable. Those at risk for lung cancer are 30 pack-year smokers or those who currently smoke or have quit within the last 15 years. How to calculate a pack-year: number of packs smoked per day (X) number of years smoked. Example: 1 pack per day (X) 30 years = 30 pack-years OR 2 packs per day (X) 15 years = 30 pack-years.
Eye exam (all adults)
This can spot health problems like cataracts or glaucoma. If you have glasses, it helps to ensure your prescription is still correct. If you have diabetes, you may need to have exams more frequently.
Dental exam (all adults)
Regular cleaning also reduces plaque build-up which leads to gum disease and cavities.
Immunizations (all adults)
You should get your flu shot every year, especially if you are at high risk — over the age of 50, have a respiratory illness such as asthma or COPD, or have a weakened immune system. Other vaccines to talk to your doctor about include the Tetanus/Diptheria/Pertussis vaccine which is a one-time dose for all adults; the shingles vaccine which is a one-time dose for adults over the age of 60; the pneumococcal vaccine which is a one-time dose for adults over 65 or if you are at high risk; or the Hepatitis A or B vaccine.
Prostate cancer screening (men 50 and older)
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. A PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test and a DRE (digital rectal exam) are both used to detect cancer.
Mammogram (all women 40 to 75)
Not all experts agree whether women in their 40s benefit from mammograms, so talk to your doctor about when to start screening for breast cancer. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women, but it is also highly treatable when caught early, so early detection is key.
EVERY 3 YEARS
Diabetes screening (Adults 45 and older)
A fasting blood glucose (sugar) test is used to evaluate the risk of diabetes, a disease in which your blood glucose (sugar) is too high. There are two types: Type 1 is when your body cannot produce insulin; Type 2, the more common type, is when your body has difficulty producing insulin. Left untreated, diabetes can cause damage to your eyes, kidneys, and nerves. In addition to a family history, lack of exercise and being overweight are big risk factors in developing Type 2 diabetes. If you have a family history or your blood pressure is high, your doctor may test for diabetes more frequently.
Pap smear (or test) and pelvic exam (all women up to age 65)
A pap smear detects cervical cancer in women. As with many other cancers, early detection leads to a better chance at a cure.
EVERY 5 YEARS
Cholesterol screening (All adults)
A fasting lipoprotein profile tests cholesterol levels. If you have high cholesterol, your doctor may test more frequently.
Osteoporosis screening (women 65 and older)
A DXA scan tests for bone density. The frequency of the test is highly dependent on results. Some women only need to repeat the test every ten years. If there are more signs of osteoporosis, your doctor may order them more frequently.
EVERY 10 YEARS
Colon cancer screening (Adults 50 and older)
While there are many colon cancer screenings available, colonoscopies are the gold standard for screening because they can detect and remove polyps which can lead to cancer. If you have a family history of inflammatory bowel disease or polyps, the test may need to be done more frequently.
Getting the right care at the right time is critical to your health, and regular screenings are the best way to ensure that. Make sure you have a conversation with your doctor about any screening needs at your next visit. That way your doctor can help keep you on schedule and on to the path of optimal health.