|
What |
Who |
When |
Why |
|
Eye Exam |
Everyone |
*About once every 2 years |
A trained health care provider examines your eyes for health and to determine if you need glasses or contacts. *The American Optometric Association recommends an eye exam once every 2 years until the age of 18, once every 2-3 years between the ages of 19-40, once every 1-2 years between the ages of 41-60, and then every year after that. |
|
Dental Exam |
Everyone 2 and older |
Once every 6-12 months |
Your dentist will examine the teeth to detect tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and problems with your bite. |
|
Blood Pressure Screening |
Everyone 18 and older |
Once every year |
This test, which measures the pressure involved when your heart beats, is important for the detection of high blood pressure, which increases the risk for heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and kidney damage. |
|
Pelvic Exam and Pap Test |
Women ages 21 to 65 |
Once every 3 years |
Pelvic exams and pap tests can detect cancerous and pre-cancerous changes in the cervix. When caught early, the treatment success rate is very high. Based on many "normal" results, your health care provider may choose to screen you less often. |
|
Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening |
Everyone who is sexually active |
Immediately if you have symptoms or annually if you have changed partners |
Many STIs do not have symptoms, but can lead to permanent complications if left untreated. If you are at high risk for STIs, you should get tested more frequently. For women, these tests are often performed during your annual gynecologic exam, but not automatically, so don't forget to ask. |
|
Cholesterol Screening |
Men age 35 and older and women age 45 and older (starting at age 20 if high risk) |
Once every five years |
This blood test measures levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Based on your health history, your health care provider may recommend more or less frequent screenings. |
|
Clinical Breast Exam |
Women 20 and older |
Once every three years until age 40; once a year after 40 |
This manual breast exam, performed by a trained health care professional, is highly effective at detecting lumps and symptoms of breast cancer. |
|
Mammogram |
Women ages 50 to 75 |
Once every 2 years |
This (and other) imaging techniques can detect potentially cancerous lumps in the breast tissue. |
|
Diabetes Screening |
Adults with blood pressure >135/80 or high risk* |
During routine visits and annual physicals |
This test measure levels of blood glucose after fasting to check for diabetes. *People at high risk (those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol or triglycerides, obesity or a family history of diabetes) should get screened more frequently. |
|
Colon and Rectal Cancer Screenings |
Everyone 50 to 75 (earlier if risk is high*) |
Once a year |
Talk to your doctor to determine the best type of screening and testing schedule for you. *You're at a high risk if you have personal or family history of colon and rectal cancers, polyps or inflammatory bowel disease. |
|
Prostate Cancer Screening |
Men 50 to 75 |
Once a year |
With a prostate exam and prostate-specific antigen test, your health care provider can detect prostate enlargement or high levels of prostate-specific antigen, which may indicate prostate cancer. |
|
Bone Density Test |
Women 65 and older (age 60 if risk is high*) |
Once a year |
This scan measures density of the bones and can detect low bone density (osteopenia) or loss of bone mass (osteoporosis). *You are at increased risk if you have had prior fractures, have a family history of osteoporosis, or have taken prednisone. |
