Health Screenings

Health screenings check for diseases and health conditions before there are any signs or symptoms. Getting recommended screenings is one of the most important things you can do for your health.

The frequency of health screenings can vary by factors such as your age, sex, and medical history. Below are recommended health screenings for women, men, and children.

Health Screenings Women Need

Mammogram – Screening for Breast Cancer

Every 2 years beginning at age 50-74 if at average risk for breast cancer and/or dependent on provider’s assessment of family history and personal concerns.

• Women ages 40-44 years have a choice to start mammograms

• Women ages 45-54 should have a mammogram every year

Pap test – Screening for Cervical Cancer

• Women under age 21 years—no pap

• Women ages 21-29 pap every 3 years

• Women ages 30-65 have 3 choices:

- Pap alone every 3 years

- HPV testing every 5 years

- Co-testing PAP and HPV testing every 5 years

• Women over 65 years—no testing as long as 3 consecutive negative cytology results within 10 years, or 2 consecutive cotesting results within 10 years, or 2 consecutive negative HPV results within 10 years

STD & HIV Screenings

• Everyone who has been sexually active should be screened. Talk to your health care provider about STD and HIV screenings.

• Every person aged 13-64 should have an HIV screen once in their life.

• Every person age greater than 18 should have a Hepatitis screen once in their life.

• More frequent testing based on lifestyle should be considered.

Colonoscopy – Screening for Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal screening for all adults age 50 to 75 years every 10 years unless family or personal history necessitates more frequent testing.

Depression

Talk to your provider 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

Adults aged 35 to 70 should be screened every 3 years if history of being overweight or obese, have a family history of diabetes, history of polycystic ovarian syndrome, gestational diabetes, and dietary and lifestyle factors.

Blood Pressure

Starting at age 18, have your blood pressure checked at least every 2 years, or sooner if at higher risk of hypertension.

Cholesterol

Starting at age 20, have your cholesterol checked every 5 years if at low risk for cardiovascular disease, and more often if at higher risk.

Bone Density Test - Screening for Osteoporosis

Have a screening test at age 65 to make sure your bones are strong, or younger with additional risk factors for fracture.

Talk with your provider about other screenings or visit the Centers for Disease Control for more information: www.cdc.gov.

Health Screenings Men Need

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

If you are between the ages of 65 and 75 and have ever been a smoker, talk to your provider about being screened for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

STD & HIV Screenings

• Everyone who has been sexually active should be screened. Talk to your health care provider about STD and HIV screenings.

• Every person aged 13-64 should have an HIV screen once in their life.

• Every person age greater than 18 should have a Hepatitis screen once in their life.

• More frequent testing based on lifestyle should be considered.

Colonoscopy – Screening for Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal screening for all adults aged 50 to 75 years every 10 years unless family or personal history necessitates more frequent testing.

Depression

Talk to your provider 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

Adults aged 35 to 70 should be screened every 3 years if history of being overweight or obese, have a family history of diabetes, history of polycystic ovarian syndrome, gestational diabetes, and dietary and lifestyle factors.

Blood Pressure

Starting at age 18, have your blood pressure checked at least every 2 years, or sooner if at higher risk of hypertension.

Cholesterol

Starting at age 20, have your cholesterol checked every 5 years if at low risk for cardiovascular disease, and more often if at higher risk.

Weight

Have your weight and Body Mass Index, BMI, checked annually.

Prostate Cancer Screening

Discuss this screening with your provider if you have personal concerns or risks for prostate cancer, including an enlarged or infected prostate.

Talk with your provider about other screenings or visit the Centers for Disease Control for more information: www.cdc.gov.