Doctor's Corner
Live Like Your Life Depends On It
Recommendations and Ideas for Health Screening Tests
Your health is one of the most important things in your life, and something to take care of and protect. Screening tests can find diseases early when they are likely easier to treat and possibly cure. You may have heard many recommendations, and there is no one perfect list to follow due to your age, sex, and background. However, the below list is well-established and a good place to start. Talk with your doctor about which ones apply to you and ask what other tests may be indicated specifically for you.
At the top of the list, the most important things you can do to stay healthy are:
- Eat smart
- Move more
- Stay at a healthy weight
- Be tobacco free
- Get recommended health screenings
- Manage existing chronic disease
Obesity: Have your body mass index (BMI) calculated to screen yourself for obesity. BMI is a measure of body fat based on your height and weight. You can calculate your own from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute at www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/.
Cholesterol: Have your cholesterol checked regularly starting at age 35. If younger, ask your doctor to check if you have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease; or have high blood pressure or smoke (which you should stop now!)
Blood Pressure: Suggest a yearly check, and ideally should be less than 140/90 or lower if any other medical conditions.
Colorectal Cancer: Start screening at age 50. There are tests that include a flexible scope (colonoscopy) suggested every 10 years, or yearly tests for blood in the stool. Ask your doctor what would be the best for you. If there is a family history, screening should start earlier.
Prostate Cancer: This test for men has undergone much discussion and controversy. The American Cancer Society still recommends a yearly blood test called a PSA along with a rectal exam. However, the United States Preventative Standards Task Force (USPSTF) says there is insufficient evidenced-based medicine to have the blood test or rectal exam. It would be a good idea to discuss your options with your physician to decide the best plan for you.
Diabetes: Check your blood sugar every 3 years if you are over 45. But if you have risk factors as high blood pressure, a family history, or significant weight problem; yearly is a good idea.
Depression: Your emotional health is just as important as your physical health. If you have felt "down" or sad, or hopeless over the last 2 weeks, or have felt little interest or pleasure in doing things, you may be depressed. Again, talk to your doctor about being screened for depression.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: This is an abnormal swelling of your aorta that can occur related to vascular disease related to smoking. If you are between the ages of 65 and 75 and have ever smoked 100 or more cigarettes during your lifetime, 1 scan to be screened would be recommended.
And Further Tests if you are a Woman:
Breast Cancer: Have a mammogram every 1-2 years starting at age 40.
Cervical Cancer: Have a Pap smear every 1-3 years if you have ever been sexually active and are between the ages of 21 and 65. (If you had a hysterectomy for reasons other than cancer, you do not need to have any further Pap smears).
Osteoporosis: Have a bone density test after you become post-menopausal by age 65, and do earlier if you have risk factors.
Kerry Randolph MD
Doctor's Corner Archive
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