Female Screenings
If you are 18 years or older, have your doctor check the following:
Blood Pressure - Make sure that your doctor takes your blood pressure. If your blood pressure is high, ask your doctor for ways to reduce it. High blood pressure increases the risk for heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.
Cholesterol - It is important your doctor checks cholesterol levels at least once every 5 years. If you have diabetes, get your cholesterol checked every year. If results show your cholesterol is high, ask your doctor for ways you can get it under control.
Dental Checkup - It is important to have an oral examination every six months so that your dentist can check for tooth decay and gum disease as well as make appropriate recommendations to help assure good oral health.
Skin Cancer
The American Cancer Society recommends a skin cancer examination every year. It's also important for you to check your own skin once a month. You should know the pattern of moles, blemishes, freckles, and other marks on your skin so that you'll notice any changes. Checking yourself is best done in front of a full-length mirror. A hand-held mirror can be used for areas that are hard to see.
Cervical Cancer
All women who are or have been sexually active or who are 18 years and older should have an annual Pap test and pelvic examination. After three or more consecutive satisfactory examinations with normal findings, the Pap test may be performed less frequently.
Breast Cancer
Between the ages of 20 and 39 years, women should have a clinical breast examination by a health professional every 3 years and conduct a breast self-exam monthly.
Call the Check Your Health hotline today and ask for your free list of screening information.
If you are age 40 or older:
Eye Exam - After age 40, women should have an annual eye exam, especially if you are at risk for glaucoma, have high blood pressure, diabetes, or retinal disorders.
Cervical Cancer
All women who are or have been sexually active or who are 18 years and older should have an annual Pap test and pelvic examination. After three or more consecutive satisfactory examinations with normal findings, the Pap test may be performed less frequently.
Diabetes - A check for diabetes is recommended every 3 years beginning at 45 years of age. Testing should be done earlier and more often if you are at risk for diabetes.
Breast Cancer
Women aged 40 and older should have a screening mammogram and a breast exam by a health professional every year, while continuing monthly self-breast exam.
Colorectal Cancer
Several scientific groups recommend regular screening for all adults aged 50 years or older.
The following three tests are recommended:
1. FOBT (fecal occult blood test) every year.
2. Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years.
3. Total colon examination by colonoscopy every 10 years or double-contrast barium enema every 5 to 10 years.
Persons at higher risk should begin screening at a younger age and may need to be tested more often.
Skin Cancer
The American Cancer Society recommends a skin cancer examination, every year. It's also important to check your own skin, preferably once a month. You should know the pattern of moles, blemishes, freckles, and other marks on your skin so that you'll notice any changes. Self-examination is best done in front of a full-length mirror. A hand-held mirror can be used for areas that are hard to see.
Call the Check Your Health hotline today and ask for your free list of screening information.
If you are 65 years or older:
Hearing - Have your hearing checked once every year or sooner if you experience any hearing loss.
Eye Sight - Eye exams should be conducted annually to check for glaucoma and other retinal disorders. See the doctor sooner if you experience any loss of sight.
Cervical Cancer
All women who are or have been sexually active or who are 18 years and older should have an annual Pap test and pelvic examination. After three or more consecutive satisfactory examinations with normal findings, the Pap test may be performed less frequently.
Breast Cancer
Women aged 40 and older should have a screening mammogram and a breast exam by a health professional every year, while continuing monthly self-breast exam.
Colorectal Cancer
Several scientific groups recommend regular screening for all adults aged 50 years or older.
The following three tests are recommended:
1. FOBT (fecal occult blood test) every year.
2. Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years.
3. Total colon examination by colonoscopy every 10 years or double-contrast barium enema every 5 to 10 years.
Persons at higher risk should begin screening at a younger age and may need to be tested more often. Breast
Women aged 40 and older should have a screening mammogram and a breast exam by a health professional every year, while continuing monthly self-breast exam.
Cervical Cancer
All women who are or have been sexually active or who are 18 and older should have an annual Pap test and pelvic examination. After three or more consecutive satisfactory examinations with normal findings, the Pap test may be performed less frequently.
Skin Cancer
The American Cancer Society recommends a skin cancer examination, every year. It's also important to check your own skin, preferably once a month. You should know the pattern of moles, blemishes, freckles, and other marks on your skin so that you'll notice any changes. Self-examination is best done in front of a full-length mirror. A hand-held mirror can be used for areas that are hard to see.
Visit MyHealthCare - a website designed to help you make informed decisions about medical care in Utah.
American Cancer Society - www.cancer.org
National Cancer Institute - http://cancernet.nci.nih.gov/
