AGES |
20-29 |
30-39 |
40-49 |
50 and older |
|
| Regular Dental Checkup | Every 6-12 months | ||||
| Physical Exam | Every 2-3 years |
Every 1-2 years | |||
| Blood Pressure | At every office visit or at least every 2 years |
||||
| Vision | Every 2-3 years |
Every 1-2 years | |||
| Cholesterol Blood Test1 | Every 5 years or as advised (e.g., yearly if elevated) | ||||
| Pap Test2 | W |
Every 1-3 years |
|||
| Mammogram3 | Every 1-2 years | ||||
| Breast Self-Exam4 | Monthly (See How to Examine Your Breasts) | ||||
| Chlamydia Screening5 | Discuss With Doctor |
||||
| Professional Breast Exam | Every 3 Years | Every year | |||
| Testicular Self-Exam [Men] | Monthly (See Testicular Self-Exam) |
||||
| Digital Rectal Exam | Discuss with Doctor |
Every year | |||
| Stool Blood Test | Every year | ||||
| Sigmoidoscopy6 | Every 3-5 years | ||||
| Glaucoma Screening7 | Every 2-3 years | ||||
| Diabetes Screening8 | Every 3-5 years | ||||
These are general guidelines. Follow your doctor's advice for tests and
exams. Check with your insurance plan to see if and when tests are covered.
1. A total blood cholesterol test should be done at least once every 5
years. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol should be measured with the initial
total blood cholesterol screening.
2. Pap tests should start at age 18, or under age 18 if sexual
activity has begun.
3. Women who are at higher risk for breast cancer should seek expert
medical advice about mammograms before age 40 and how often to have them.
4. Though rare, men can get breast cancer too, and should look for and
report a breast lump or other change to their doctor.
5. All sexually active females aged 25 or younger and females older than
age 25 who: Have more than one partner; have had an STD in the past; or who do not use
condoms consistently and correctly, should have routine chlamydia screenings as often as
advised by thier doctor.
6. Your doctor may recommend this and/or other tests (e.g., colonoscopy)
to screen for colon cancer.
7. For African Americans, screening should begin every 2 to 3 years
between the ages of 40 and 49.
8. Diabetes screening should be done every 3 years starting at age 45.
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 2002 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 07/23/02