Blood pressure checks and blood cholesterol level tests are examples of screenings.
Certain screenings are possible to be carried out in the doctor’s consulting room, such as blood pressure readings. Others, such as colonoscopies and colon cancer tests, are only possible where such diagnostic equipment exists. Once you have completed your exam, make sure to enquire when the results will be available and when it will be possible to make an appointment to discuss them with your doctor.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. If you are between the ages of 65 and 75 and have ever been a smoker, (100 or more cigarettes in your lifetime), speak to your doctor concerning a screening for an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). An AAA is a bulge in the abdominal aorta, the largest artery in the human body. An AAA may burst, which can cause dangerous bleeding and death. An ultrasound will show whether an aneurysm is present. This is a painless procedure carried out by a medical specialist.
Colon Cancer. If you are 75 years of age or younger, a colorectal cancer screening test is advisable. There are several possible tests available, for example, a stool test or a colonoscopy can detect cancer. Your doctor will advise which is more appropriate in your particular case. If you are between the ages of 76 and 85, ask your doctor or nurse whether you should continue to be screened.
Depression. Your emotional health is as important as your physical health. Seek your doctor’s advice on whether you should be screened for depression, especially if you have been feeling down, sad, hopeless or have felt little interest or pleasure in doing things, for some time.
Diabetes. Get screened for diabetes (high blood sugar level). A simple blood test is all that is necessary, if you suffer from high blood pressure or take medication for high blood pressure. Diabetes can cause heart problems. Also the brain, eyes, feet, kidneys, nerves, and other body parts may be affected.
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). Get screened at least once for HCV infection if you were born between 1945 and 1965; or if you have ever injected drugs; or if you received a blood transfusion before 1992.
High Blood Cholesterol. Have your blood cholesterol checked regularly with a simple blood test. High blood cholesterol increases your chance of developing heart disease, stroke, and poor circulation.
High Blood Pressure. Have your blood pressure checked at least every 2 years. High blood pressure can cause strokes, heart attacks, kidney and eye problems, and heart failure.
HIV. If you are 65 years of age or younger, get screened for HIV. If you are older than 65, ask your doctor or nurse if you should be screened.
Lung Cancer. Talk to your doctor or nurse about getting screened for lung cancer if you are between the ages of 55 and 80, have a 30 pack a year smoking history, are a smoker or have quit within the past 15 years (your pack a year history is the number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day times the number of years you have smoked). Lung cancer can be detected with a computed tomography (CT Scan).
Prostatic Cancer. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that men have a chance to make an informed decision with their doctor on whether to be screened for prostate cancer. The discussion about screening should take place at:
• Age 50 for men who are at average risk of prostate cancer and are expected to live at least 10 more years.
• Age 45 for men at high risk of developing prostate cancer. This includes men who have a first-degree relative (father, brother, or son) diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age (younger than age 65).
• Age 40 for men at even higher risk (those with more than one first-degree relative who had prostate cancer at an early age).
After this discussion, men who want to be screened should be tested with the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. The digital rectal exam (DRE) may also be done as a part of screening.
Overweight and Obesity. The best way to learn if you are overweight or obese is to find your body mass index (BMI).
Get the Screenings You Need: Stay Healthy at Any Age.