As you get older, it becomes increasingly more important to stay on top of your health. Regular medical screenings are essential because they can detect diseases and medical conditions when they are easiest to treat.
When you go for your annual physical, talk to your doctor about which medical screenings you should consider getting. The screenings your doctor recommends will be based on your age, medical history and other factors, so every individual may not need the same tests. Here’s a look at some of the common tests your doctor may recommend.
Breast Cancer Screening
Early breast cancer doesn’t usually cause any symptoms, so it’s critical to get regular mammograms. Screening guidelines are based on your age and medical history, so be sure to ask your doctor how often you should get a mammogram.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women should begin mammograms at age 50. Other experts, such as the American Cancer Society, say women should start getting mammograms earlier based on family history of breast cancer. Men may also be at risk for breast cancer and should discuss their risk with their primary care provider.
Cervical Cancer Screening
Cervical cancer screenings look for changes in the cells of the cervix that could lead to cancer if not treated. Screenings include the Pap test (or Pap smear), the HPV test, or both.
Most women 21 to 65 years old should make cervical cancer screening part of routine health care. You’ll typically need a Pap test every 3 years and an HPV test every 5 years, but you should talk to your doctor about what is recommended for you.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
According to the latest recommendations from health experts, men and women should start getting screenings for colorectal cancer at age 45, even if they aren’t showing any symptoms or having any complaints. If you have a family history of colon cancer, your doctor may recommend you get this screening at an earlier age.
The most common screening for colorectal cancer is a colonoscopy. During the procedure, your doctor will look for suspicious areas of tissue, such as polyps, and remove them for a biopsy to determine if they are benign or contain precancerous cells. Colorectal cancer is easier to treat when it’s caught early, so it’s crucial that you get colorectal screenings.
Watch our colorectal surgery experts discuss early screening, diagnosis, and treatment options for colorectal cancer.
Lung Cancer Screening
If you are a smoker or a former smoker, you should talk to your doctor about getting a low-dose CT scan, a powerful new screening tool that’s drastically improving survival rates for people diagnosed with lung cancer. This screening looks for signs of lung cancer before symptoms like coughing and chest pain develop.
When you get the test, an X-ray machine scans your body and uses low doses of radiation to make detailed pictures of your lungs. The scan shows tiny spots on the lungs, called nodules, years before they would ever be seen on a chest x-ray. These spots could signal early lung cancer when the disease is most treatable.
The best defense against cancer is early detection through screening and diagnosis. Holy Cross Health offers three early lung screening programs. Learn more about eligibility.
Prostate Cancer Screening
Men who turn 50 should have a discussion with their doctor about whether to get screened for prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men after skin cancer—there are nearly 165,000 new cases each year, and 30,000 men die each year from prostate cancer.
Some health organizations such as the American Cancer Society say the PSA test for prostate cancer has potential benefits and risks, but others like the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommend against PSA-based screening, regardless of age. Screening based on the PSA test of the digital rectal exam is a decision you and your doctor should make together.
Blood Pressure Screening
High blood pressure affects approximately 45 percent of the adult U.S. population and is the most commonly diagnosed condition at outpatient office visits. It’s a major contributing risk factor for heart failure, myocardial infarction, stroke, and chronic kidney disease.
All adults over 18 years old should get regular screenings for high blood pressure, but it becomes even more crucial once you hit middle age. Holy Cross Health offers free blood pressure screening throughout the community.
Cholesterol Screening
High cholesterol increases your risk for heart disease and stroke, two leading causes of death in the U.S., so it’s important to know your cholesterol levels. You should get your cholesterol checked at least every 5 years. If you have cardiovascular risk factors, talk to your doctor about getting tested more often.
A cholesterol test is a simple blood test. Your doctor may tell you not to eat or drink anything except water for 9 to 12 hours before the test. The results give you four measurements that your doctor will explain to you.
Diabetes Screening
Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that can cause health complications such as heart disease, blindness, and kidney damage. According to the American Diabetes Association, men are more than twice as likely as women to have undiagnosed diabetes.
You should be tested for diabetes if you have any of the common risk factors, such as you have a family history of diabetes, you have high cholesterol, or you’re overweight. Your doctor will check your body mass index and give you a fasting blood glucose screening to determine if you’re at risk for diabetes.
Prevent or manage your diabetes with disease prevention and management classes available at Holy Cross Health.
Eye Exam
Even if you have good vision, getting an eye exam is still an important part of staying healthy. The exam checks for glaucoma, cataracts, and other eye diseases that become more common as you age. If your eyes are healthy and your vision is good, you should have a complete exam by an ophthalmologist once in your 20s and twice in your 30s. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that adults get a complete eye examination at age 40. After an exam, your ophthalmologist can tell you how often you should have your eyes checked in the future.