What is it?
An inflatable cuff, wrapped around your upper arm,
measures the amount of pressure your heart generates
when pumping blood out through your arteries (systolic
pressure) and measures the amount of pressure in your
arteries when your heart is at rest between beats (diastolic
pressure).
Why?
For early detection of high blood pressure (hypertension).
Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood
your heart pumps and the resistance to blood flow in
your arteries. Narrowed arteries limit this blood flow.
In general, the more blood your heart pumps and the
narrower your arteries, the harder your heart must work
to pump the same amount of blood. The longer high blood
pressure goes undetected and untreated the higher your
risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure and kidney
damage.
How often?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends
an initial test at age 18, then at least every two years.
If your blood pressure is borderline, your doctor may
recommend more frequent screening.
High Blood Pressure:
What It Means
[top]
What is it?
A simple blood test that measures total cholesterol,
low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the "bad"
cholesterol), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol
(the "good" cholesterol) and triglycerides.
Cholesterol is a form of fat carried in your blood
by lipoproteins. LDL deposits cholesterol in your artery
walls, and HDL carries cholesterol away from your arteries
and to your liver for disposal. Problems occur when
your LDL deposits too much cholesterol in your artery
walls or when your HDL doesn't take enough away. This
can lead to a buildup of cholesterol-containing fatty
deposits (plaques) in your arteries (atherosclerosis).
Why?
To evaluate the level of cholesterol in your blood.
Undesirable levels of cholesterol raise your risk of
heart attack and stroke.
How often?
Starting at age 45, the U.S. Preventive Services Task
Force recommends having your cholesterol measured every
five years. Your doctor may recommend more frequent
measurements if your levels are abnormal. If you're
at high risk of coronary heart disease, your doctor
may begin screening at an earlier age.
What do the numbers mean?
Results from a blood-fat test show a set of numbers
in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) indicating the levels
of total, LDL and HDL cholesterol as well as triglyceride
levels. The National Cholesterol Education Program,
a branch of the National Institutes of Health, has developed
a set of guidelines to help determine which numbers
are acceptable and which ones carry increased risk.
High Blood Cholesterol
[top]
What is it?
A physical examination of your breasts and armpits.
Your doctor looks for color changes, skin irregularities
and changes in your nipples. He or she also feels your
breasts and armpits for lumps and enlarged lymph nodes.
Why?
To detect suspicious changes and to exclude breast
cancer.
How often?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends
a clinical breast examination in conjunction with screening
mammography every one to two years, beginning at age
40. The USPSTF doesn't recommend for or against using
clinical breast exams alone to screen for breast cancer.
Breast Cancer
[top]
What is it?
A radiology technician compresses your breasts between
plastic plates while he or she takes X-rays of your
breast tissue.
Why?
To detect breast lumps or suspicious changes or calcifications
when they're too small to be detected by physical examination.
These small lumps can be the first finding of early-stage
breast cancer.
How often?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends
a screening mammogram every one to two years after age
40, depending on your risk. After age 50, your doctor
may recommend annual mammograms. However, little evidence
shows annual screening to be more effective than screening
done every other year.
Mammography: Screening
Tool For Breast Cancer
[top]
What is it?
Your doctor inserts a speculum into your vagina to
observe your cervix. Then using a small spatula and
a brush or cotton swab, your doctor gently removes cells
from your cervix and the canal that enters your uterus.
The procedure generally takes only a few minutes. Your
doctor places the cells on a glass slide or into a fluid-filled
bottle and sends them to a laboratory for microscopic
examination.
Why?
To detect cancer and precancerous changes of your
cervix. You're at increased risk if:
- You have a history of sexually transmitted disease,
particularly human papillomavirus
- You have multiple sex partners
- You have a history of abnormal cells in your cervix
(cervical dysplasia)
- You have a history of vaginal or vulvar cancer
- You're a smoker
How often?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends
screening for cervical cancer within three years of
your first sexual encounter or age 21, whichever comes
first. You should have a Pap test at least every three
years.
You no longer need routine screening for cervical cancer
if:
- You're age 65 or older, you've had three normal test
results in a row, you've had normal Pap tests over the
past 10 years, and you aren't at high risk of cervical
cancer.
- You've had a total hysterectomy — surgery that
removes your uterus and cervix.
A Pap test is only one part of the pelvic examination.
You may benefit from annual pelvic examinations even
if a Pap test isn't needed.
Pap test:
Protect Yourself Against Cervical Cancer
[top]
What is it?
Your doctor examines your external genitals to make
sure they look normal and checks for discoloration,
swelling or sores, for example. To see the inner walls
of your vagina and cervix, your doctor inserts an instrument
called a speculum into your vagina to hold the vaginal
walls apart. He or she will then look for sores, lumps,
inflammation or signs of abnormal discharge. After removing
the speculum, your doctor inserts two gloved fingers
inside your vagina. While simultaneously pressing down
on your abdomen, he or she physically examines your
uterus and ovaries.
Why?
To detect any abnormalities, such as cysts, tumors,
infections or other problems such as muscle weakness
that can cause the uterus or bladder to sag. If you
have an abnormal discharge, your doctor can obtain a
sample to identify the cause.
How often?
Although the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force doesn't
provide a specific recommendation, experts at Mayo Clinic
in Rochester, Minn., agree that it's a good idea to
start pelvic exams at the same time as your first Pap
test. For subsequent pelvic exams, follow your screening
schedule for having Pap tests done — within three
years of beginning sexual activity or by age 21, whichever
comes first. If you're at high risk of gynecologic cancers,
such as cervical or ovarian cancer, your doctor may
advise that you be examined more frequently. Talk to
your doctor to see which screening approach is best
for you.
[top]
Colon & Rectal
Cancer Screening |
What is it?
Your doctor may recommend tests to examine your colon
and rectum to detect colon cancer before symptoms occur.
The exams are:
- Fecal occult blood test - This test
chemically checks your stool for hidden (occult) blood,
which can only be detected through chemical testing.
This test may be done in your doctor's office, or you
may be given a kit to take the stool sample at home.
You usually obtain a stool sample for testing and store
it in a supplied container or use an applicator stick
to smear it on a chemically treated card. You may be
asked to collect more than one sample. You then return
the container or card in person or by mail to a lab
or your doctor's office for analysis. At the lab, a
chemical is applied to the specimen. The chemical reacts
with the stool sample and appears as a different color
if it comes in contact with blood. If blood is found,
you'll need additional tests to determine the cause.
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy - Your doctor
will examine the lower portion of your colon by inserting
a thin, flexible tube called a sigmoidoscope into your
rectum. This procedure usually takes about 15 minutes.
Sigmoidoscopy may be done in conjunction with a colon
X-ray.
- Colon X-ray (double contrast barium enema)
- Your doctor injects liquid barium, a solution
that looks bright white on X-ray images, into your colon
by way of a slender tube inserted into your rectum.
The barium outlines the inner surface of your colon,
allowing the X-ray to detect any irregularities. This
test typically takes about 20 minutes and can cause
abdominal cramping. It may be done in conjunction with
flexible sigmoidoscopy.
- Colonoscopy - Your doctor will examine
the entire length of your colon using a thin, flexible
colonoscope inserted into your rectum. The procedure
is similar to a flexible sigmoidoscopy, although the
instrument is longer so that your doctor can view your
entire colon. This procedure takes about a half-hour
and can be uncomfortable, so you typically undergo conscious
sedation — a type of sedation that uses pain relievers
and sedatives to minimize discomfort.
Why?
To detect cancer and benign growths (polyps) on the
inside wall of your colon that may become cancerous.
Getting polyps removed may reduce your risk of colon
and rectal cancer.
How often?
For women age 50 or older, the U.S. Preventive Services
Task Force recommends regular screening for colon and
rectal cancer. Screening frequency will vary depending
on which type of test you have done. Your doctor may
recommend one of the following screening schedules:
- Fecal occult blood test every year
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years
- Double contrast barium enema every five years
- Colonoscopy every 10 years
Talk to your doctor about which screening approach
and frequency are best for you based on your particular
health issues.
Not everyone needs to be tested for precancerous polyps
and colon and rectal cancer. Your need for screening
depends on your level of risk. Three major factors put
you at higher risk of developing colon and rectal cancer:
- Age 50 or older
- Family or personal history of colon or rectal cancer
or adenomatous polyps
- Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, such
as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
Colorectal
cancer
Colon and
Rectal Cancer Screening
[top]
What is it?
A quick, painless scan of your lower back, hip region,
wrist or heel. This test measures the density of your
bones, indicating your risk of fracture at the most
common sites affected. Several different types of scans
are available, including ultrasound, computerized tomography
(CT) and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Dual
energy X-ray absorptiometry scans of the lower spine
and hip region are the best standard for deciding when
treatment is needed and for assessing the effects of
treatment for osteoporosis.
Why?
To detect osteoporosis — a disease characterized
by a loss of bone mass, which makes bones more fragile
and likely to break. Osteoporosis especially increases
the risk of fractures of your hip, spine and wrist.
How often?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends
that women age 65 and older be screened routinely for
osteoporosis. However, if you're at increased risk of
osteoporotic fractures, the USPSTF recommends that you
begin routine screening five years earlier — at
age 60. Certain factors put you at increased risk of
osteoporosis, such as a low body weight, a history of
fractures or a family history of osteoporosis. Factors
associated with a risk for rapid bone loss include menopause
or discontinuing estrogen therapy.
[top]
Sexually Transmitted
Disease Screening |
What are they?
Screening tests to detect infections spread by sexual
contact (sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs) such
as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), gonorrhea, genital
herpes and chlamydia.
Why?
These diseases can damage your reproductive system
and, in the case of HIV, can lead to life-threatening
disease.
How often?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends
that all teenagers and adults:
- Be advised about what places you at risk of an STD.
- Be counseled about ways that you can reduce your risk
of infection.
Your doctor will determine whether you need STD screening
tests based on your personal risk factors.
In particular, STDs can be harmful to a pregnant woman
and fetus. If you're pregnant, your doctor may screen
you for the following STDs, depending on your level
of risk:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Hepatitis B
- HIV infection
- Syphilis
The screening tests you have done may be based on state
laws as well as your doctor's recommendation. For instance,
many doctors offer HIV screening to all pregnant women,
and some states require screening for syphilis during
pregnancy.
Worldwide HIV/AIDS epidemic affects 40 million people
[top]
What is it?
Your dentist examines your teeth and gums with a probe
and small mirror. He or she will usually check your
tongue, lips and soft tissues.
Why?
To detect cavities within your teeth and problems
with your gums, tongue and mouth.
How often?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends
that you visit your dentist on a regular basis.
[top]
What is it?
You read eye charts and have your pupils dilated with
eyedrops. The ophthalmologist or optometrist checks
your eye movement, side (peripheral) vision, color vision
and the sharpness (acuity) of your eyesight. He or she
also views the inside of your eye using an instrument
called an ophthalmoscope and, using a painless procedure
called tonometry, measures the pressure inside your
eyeball.
Why?
To determine if you need glasses or contacts and to
identify new vision problems. Common vision problems
with aging include:
- Glaucoma - This disease is characterized
by increased pressure in your eye, which can lead to
vision loss.
- Macular Degeneration - This condition
results in deterioration of retinal cells, which gradually
decreases vision.
- Cataracts - A cataract refers to
a clouding of the clear lens of your eye, which blurs
vision.
Glaucoma
Macular Degeneration
Cataracts
How often?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force doesn't recommend
for or against having routine eye exams if you're a
healthy adult. However, the American Academy of Ophthalmology
recommends the following screening schedule for having
your vision checked:
- At least once between ages 20 and 39
- Every two to four years between ages 40 and 64
- Every one to two years beginning at age 65
Getting An Eye Exam
[top]
What is it?
This test measures the level of sugar (glucose) in
your blood after an eight-hour fast.
Why?
High glucose levels can be an indication of diabetes.
How often?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force doesn't recommend
for or against routine screening for diabetes in women
who don't have any symptoms. However, if you're 45 years
of age or older, the American Diabetes Association recommends
that you have your blood glucose level checked every
three years. If you're at risk of diabetes, your doctor
may test you at a younger age or more frequently. Also
get tested if you have signs and symptoms of diabetes,
such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained
weight loss, fatigue, or slow-healing cuts or bruises.
[top]
What is it?
Your doctor examines your skin from head to toe, looking
for moles that are irregularly shaped, have varied colors,
are asymmetric, are greater than the size of a pencil
eraser, or have grown or changed since your last visit.
Why?
Suspicious lesions on your skin can be an indication
of skin cancer.
How often?
Although the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force doesn't
provide a specific recommendation on screening for skin
cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends that
beginning at age 20, a skin exam should be part of a
routine cancer-related health checkup.
Skin Cancer
[top]
* Text Resources: The Mayo Clinic Staff
|
