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Screening Tests – General Guidelines

Posted: Nov. 1, 2007

Screening tests, such as colorectal cancer tests, can find diseases early when they are easier to treat. The following are general guidelines; some men and women need certain screening tests earlier, or more often. Talk to your doctor about which of the tests listed below are right for you, when you should have them, and how often.


FOR MEN AND WOMEN
Cholesterol checks
Have your cholesterol checked at least every 5 years, starting at age 35. If you smoke, have diabetes, or if heart disease runs in your family, start having your cholesterol checked at age 20.

Blood pressure
Have your blood pressure checked at least every 2 years.

Colorectal cancer tests
Ask your doctor when to begin screening if you have a family history of the disease; otherwise begin regular screening for colorectal cancer at age 50.Your doctor can help you decide which test is right for you. How often you need to be tested will depend on which test you have.

Diabetes tests
Have a test to screen for diabetes if you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol; otherwise start at age 45.

Depression
If you've felt "down," sad, or hopeless, and have felt little interest or pleasure in doing things for two weeks straight, talk to your doctor about whether he or she can screen you for depression.


ADDITIONAL SCREENING FOR MEN
Prostate cancer screening
A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test or digital rectal examination (DRE) can help to identify prostate cancer before you have symptoms. The screening guideline is every year after age 50; but you should discuss your health history with your doctor to see if screening should begin earlier.


ADDITIONAL SCREENING FOR WOMEN
Osteoporosis test
Have a bone density test at age 65 to screen for osteoporosis (thinning of the bones). If you are between the ages of 60 and 64 and weigh 154 lbs. or less, talk to your doctor about whether you should be tested. Also talk to your doctor or nurse about repeat testing.

Mammogram (X-ray of breast)
Have a mammogram every 1 to 2 years starting at age 40. If breast cancer is part of your family history, you may need to begin screening earlier; discuss with your doctor or nurse.

Pap smear
Have a Pap smear every 1 to 3 years if you have been sexually active or are older than 21. Begin with screening every 1 to 2 years; every 2 to 3 years after three normal tests in a row.

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

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