I wanted to talk about health screenings because I tend to put things off. Now, at 61, I have changed that...I talked to my doctor, asked her about having a bone density scan and have an appointment for the scan. I had one in my 40's because my mother had osteoparosis. The scan showed that I was in the ostopenia range (Osteopenia is defined as low bone density caused by bone loss. Osteopenia is often a precursor to osteoporosis, a common condition of brittle bones that can result in fracture.)
Below are screening information from Medline Plus
DIABETES SCREENING
If you are over age 44, you should be screened every 3 years.
If you are overweight, ask your provider if you should be screened at a younger age. Asian Americans should be screened if their BMI is greater than 23.
If your blood pressure is above 140/80 mm Hg, or you have other risk factors for diabetes, your provider may test your blood sugar level for diabetes.
If you are between ages 50 to 75, you should be screened for colorectal cancer. There are several screening tests available:
A fecal occult blood (stool-based) test done every year
A fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year
A stool DNA test every 3 years
Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
Double contrast barium enema every 5 years
CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every 5 years
Colonoscopy every 10 years
You may need a colonoscopy more often if you have risk factors for colorectal cancer, such as:
Ulcerative colitis
A personal or family history of colorectal cancer
A history of growths called adenomatous polyps
DENTAL EXAM
Go to the dentist once or twice every year for an exam and cleaning. Your dentist will evaluate if you have a need for more frequent visits.
EYE EXAM
Have an eye exam every 2 to 4 years ages 40 to 54 and every 1 to 3 years ages 55 to 64. Your provider may recommend more frequent eye exams if you have vision problems or glaucoma risk.
Have an eye exam at least every year if you have diabetes.
IMMUNIZATIONS
You should get a flu shot every year.
Ask your provider if you should get a vaccine to reduce your risk of pneumonia.
You should have a tetanus-diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tap) vaccine once as part of your tetanus-diphtheria vaccines if you did not receive it previously as an adolescent. You should have a tetanus-diphtheria booster every 10 years.
You may get a shingles or herpes zoster vaccine after age 50.
Your provider may recommend other immunizations if you are at high risk for certain conditions.
PHYSICAL EXAM
Your blood pressure should be checked at least every year.
Your provider may recommend checking your cholesterol every 5 years if you have risk factors for coronary heart disease.
Your height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) should be checked at each exam.
During your exam, your provider may ask you about:
Depression
Diet and exercise
Alcohol and tobacco use
Safety issues, such as using seat belts and smoke detectors
BREAST EXAM
Women may do a monthly breast self-exam. However, experts do not agree about the benefits of breast self-exams in finding breast cancer or saving lives. Talk to your provider about what is best for you.
You should contact your provider immediately if you notice a change in your breasts, whether or not you do self-exams.
Your provider may do a clinical breast exam as part of your preventive exam.
MAMMOGRAM
Women ages 40 to 49 may have a mammogram every 1 to 2 years. However, not all experts agree about the benefits of having a mammogram when women are in their 40s. Talk to your provider about what is best for you.
Women ages 50 to 75 should have a mammogram every 1 to 2 years depending on their risk factors, to check for breast cancer.
Women with a mother or sister who had breast cancer at a younger age should consider yearly mammograms. They should begin earlier than the age at which their youngest family member was diagnosed.
OSTEOPOROSIS SCREENING
All women over age 50 with fractures should have a bone density test (DEXA scan).
If you are under age 65 and have risk factors for osteoporosis, you should be screened.
PELVIC EXAM AND PAP SMEAR
You should have a Pap smear every 3 years. If you have both a Pap smear and human papilloma virus (HPV) test, you may be tested every 5 years. HPV is the virus that causes genital warts and several cancers, including cervical cancer.
Your provider may do pelvic exams more often if you develop problems.
If you have had your uterus and cervix removed (total hysterectomy), and you have not been diagnosed with cervical cancer, you do not need to have Pap smears.
Women who are sexually active and at high risk should be screened for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Your provider may talk with you about testing for other infections.
Your provider will ask you about alcohol and tobacco, and may ask you about depression.
SKIN EXAM
Your provider may check your skin for signs of skin cancer, especially if you're at high risk. People at high risk include those who have had skin cancer before, have close relatives with skin cancer, or have a weakened immune system.
LUNG CANCER SCREENING
The USPSTF recommends annual screening for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) in adults aged 55 to 80 years who:
Have a 30 pack-year smoking history AND
Currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years
