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Exam/Screening Test

 

 

What and Why

 

 

When

 

 

Cervical cancer screening

 

 

A sample of cells is taken from the cervix to look for changes that could lead to cancer (Pap test); this test may be combined with testing for human papillomavirus in women aged 30 years and older

 

 

Preferred: Pap test and human papillomavirus testing (co-testing) every 5 years 

Optional: Pap test alone every 3 years

 

 

Clinical breast exam

 

 

Breast exam by a health care provider

 

 

Yearly

 

 

Colorectal cancer screening

 

 

Screening tests to look for cancer of the colon and rectum

 

 

Colonoscopy every 10 years (preferred) or other screening test beginning at age 50 years. African Americans should begin screening at age 45 years.

Other methods include the following tests:

• Yearly fecal occult blood test or fecal immunochemical test  with high sensitivity for cancer

• Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years

• Double contrast barium enema test every 5 years

• Computed tomography every 5 years

• Fecal DNA test (interval unknown)

 

 

Diabetes testing

 

 

A test to measure the level of glucose (a sugar that is present in the blood and is the body’s main source of fuel) because high levels could be a sign of diabetes mellitus

 

 

Every 3 years after age 45 years

 

 

Hepatitis C testing

A blood test to assess whether a person is infected with hepatitis C virus 

Once for persons born between 1945 and 1965 who are not aware of their infection status

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) test

 

 

A test to check for HIV, a virus that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

 

 

At least once during your lifetime; review annually for risk factors to determine if repeat testing is needed

 

 

Lipid profile assessment

 

 

A test used to assess the risk of heart disease that measures the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood

 

 

Every 5 years beginning at age 45 years

 

 

Mammography

 

 

An X-ray of the breast to look for breast cancer

 

 

Yearly

 

 

Thyroid-stimulating hormone screening

 

 

A test to check if your thyroid gland is working correctly

 

 

Every 5 years beginning at age 50 years

 

 

SCREENING PROGRAMS

 

All adults should visit their health care provider from time to time, even if they are healthy. The purpose of these visits is to:

  • Screen for diseases

  • Assess risk of future medical problems

  • Encourage a healthy lifestyle

  • Update vaccinations

  • Maintain a relationship with a health care provider in case of an illness

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

If you are between the ages of 65 and 75 and have ever been a smoker, talk to your doctor or nurse about being screened for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). AAA is a bulging in your abdominal aorta, the largest artery in your body. An AAA
may burst, which can cause dangerous bleeding and death.


Colorectal Cancer.

Have a screening test for colorectal cancer starting at age 50. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, you may need to be screened earlier. Several different tests can detect this cancer. Your doctor can help you decide which is best for you.


Depression.

Your emotional health is as important as your physical health. Talk to your doctor or nurse about being screened for depression especially if during the last 2 weeks:

  • You have felt down, sad, or hopeless.

  • You have felt little interest or pleasure in doing things.

 

Diabetes.

Get screened for diabetes if your blood pressure is higher than 135/80 or if you take medication for high blood pressure.
Diabetes (high blood sugar) can cause problems with your heart, brain, eyes, feet, kidneys, nerves, and other body parts.


High Blood Pressure.

Starting at age 18, have your blood pressure checked at least every 2 years. High blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. High blood ressure can cause strokes, heart attacks, kidney and eye problems, and heart failure.


High Cholesterol. If you are 35 or older, have your cholesterol Checked. Have your cholesterol checked starting at age 20 if:

  • You use tobacco.

  • You are obese.

  • You have diabetes or high blood pressure.

  • You have a personal history of heart disease or blocked arteries.

  • A man in your family had a heart attack before age 50 or a woman, before age 60.

 

Overweight and Obesity.

The best way to learn if you are overweight or obese is to find
your body mass index (BMI). You can find your BMI by entering your height and weight into a BMI calculator, such as the one available
at: http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/.
A BMI between 18.5 and 25 indicates a normal weight. Persons with a BMI of 30 or higher may be obese. If you are obese, talk to
your doctor or nurse about seeking intensive counseling and getting help with changing your behaviors to lose weight. Overweight and
obesity can lead to diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

 

HIV.

Talk with your health care team about HIV screening if any of these apply to you:

  • You have had unprotected sex with multiple partners.

  • You have sex with men.

  • You use or have used injection drugs.

  • You exchange sex for money or drugs or have sex partners who do.

  • You have or had a sex partner who is HIVinfected or injects drugs.

  • You are being treated for a sexually transmitted disease.

  • You had a blood transfusion between 1978 and 1985.

  • You have any other concerns.


Syphilis.

Ask your doctor or nurse whether you should be screened for syphilis.

WOMEN

MEN

what should i screen?

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