1) Eye examination— beginning at age 40, you should have an eye examination every two years if you have good vision. If you are at risk—diagnosed as having diabetes or high blood pressure, or if you have a family history of glaucoma—you should have an eye examination about once a year.
2) Cervical (Pap) Smear— this should be done every one to three years for women 40 and older, and every year if you have already been diagnosed and treated for precancerous changes or for herpes or genital warts.
3) Blood pressure— every three to five years, or as your doctor recommends between the ages of 40 and 50. Men and women over 50 should have a blood pressure measurement every year, or as his or her doctor recommends.
4) Blood cholesterol— for anyone over 40, if the result of your last test was normal, repeat in three to five years. If the results were abnormal, follow your doctor’s recommendation.
5) Breast X-ray (Mammography)— every one to two years for women between 40 and 50, and every year after 50.
A) Digital rectal examination— a physical exam of the rectum and prostate to detect signs of cancer or prostate disease. This test should be performed every year in men beginning at age 40.
B) Hemoccult stool test— a microscopic examination of the feces for signs of colon cancer which should be done every year for both men and women. This is the most common screening for colon cancer as it actually detects blood in feces. You can purchase home test kits to screen your stool for occult—hidden blood—which can indicate colorectal (colon or rectal) cancer long before symptoms are present. Anyone using the kit should understand that it detects only the presence of blood and not cancer itself. Some foods, aspirin and other drugs, and hemorrhoids can also cause positive results.
The test should also be repeated on three consecutive bowel movements. If you get a positive result, you should consult your doctor right away. Also, to make sure that the test is reliable, it is a good idea to get written instructions from your doctor and follow all dietary restrictions.
C) Sigmoidoscopy— this is an internal examination of the rectum and colon with a flexible, lighted tube called a sigmoidoscope. The test should begin at age 50 and be repeated every three to five years.
7) Complete Physical Examination— every one to two years (or as your doctor recommends) between the ages of 40 and 65. After 65, you should have a complete physical every year.
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