It feels like every other week we’re reminded just how important it is to get whatever health screening is the current fad, only to be told the next week that the guidelines we thought we knew have come into question. We’re rarely given the full picture - a complete list that shows us all of the screenings we need at each age. No need to be confused anymore, as an easy reference material, we’ve provided an updated chart that will show you what you need in each age grid.
Check the first chart for a man, and the second for a woman.
As a general recommendation, even if you do not need any specific screenings while following the chart’s recommendations, you should still see your doctor for a general check up and wellness visit at least once every 1-2 years. A good relationship with your doctor is very important, and the best time to establish that relationship is when you’re healthy. That way you get to know your doctor, and your doctor gets to know you and your personal (and family) history. Try to establish mutual trust and understanding. This relationship comes in handy when you do have a specific ailment, from potentially helping you see the doctor more quickly to helping establish the timeline and severity of development of the ailment.
Recommended Screenings for Men, by age
Screening Test |
Ages 18-39 |
Ages 40-49 |
Ages 50-64 |
Ages 65+ |
Full checkup, including weight and height |
Meet with your normal healthcare provider and discuss what timeline would be best for you, given your specific health history and concerns. At least once a year do an at home height, weight, BMI test. |
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Heart Health: Blood pressure |
If your blood pressure is under 120/80, at least once every 2 years get it checked. If your BP is over 120/80, get it checked every year. If your BP is higher than 140/90, speak to your doctor and establish a testing/treatment schedule that both of you are comfortable with. |
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Heart Health: Cholesterol |
Talk to your healthcare provider. If High Risk, get screened starting at age 20. Everyone should be screened every 5 years after age 35. |
Everyone should be screened every 5 years or sooner. If High Risk, talk to your healthcare provider to establish a testing/treatment schedule that both of you are comfortable with. |
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Diabetes: Blood sugar |
Discuss with your doctor. If High Risk, establish a testing schedule with your healthcare provider. |
Get screened at age 45, then using the testing schedule you establish with your healthcare provider. |
Talk to your doctor, but a general guideline is every 3 years. |
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Prostate Health: Digital Rectal Exam, PSA test |
N/A |
The jury is still out, but discuss with your healthcare provider. If High Risk, including being over 45 and/or black, it is especially important that you discuss it. |
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Colorectal Health: Fecal occult blood test, Sigmoidoscopy, Colonoscopy, Digital Rectal Exam |
Discuss with your doctor if you are high risk. |
Discuss with your doctor. Begin fecal occult blood test at age 45 if High Risk. |
From age 50-75, develop a schedule with your healthcare provider. Typically, have a fecal occult blood test annually, a sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, a colonoscopy every 10 years, and a digital rectal exam with each other form of screening. |
Dental Exam |
One or two times a year. |
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Eye Exam |
Once every two years. Should have at least one exam between 20-29 and at least two exams from 30-39. |
Through age 60, every one to two years or as recommended by your doctor. Age 62 and up – annually or as recommended. |
Annually, or as recommended by your doctor. |
Reproductive Health: Testicular Exam |
Perform a monthly self-exam, and it should be included in your general checkup with your healthcare provider. |
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Reproductive Health: Sexual Transmitted Disease tests |
Discuss with your healthcare provider. Important to get tested if you could be High Risk. |
Sources:
American Optometric Association “Recommended Eye Exam Frequency for Pediactric Patients and Adults” <http://www.aoa.org/x5502.xml>. Accessed May 29, 2012.
The Mayo Clinic. <www.mayoclinic.com/health-screening>. Accessed May 24, 2012.
“Our experience with PHS has been very positive and I would recommend them to anyone looking for flexible, yet professional, health screening services.”
David Hinkamp, MD, MPH
President,
Central Occupational Health Organization, Inc.