Screening tests are tools your health care provider uses for early detection of common and potentially deadly diseases, such as cancer,
diabetes, and
heart disease. These tests can find certain illnesses in their earliest and most curable stages, even before you notice symptoms. Your primary care provider and (if you’re a woman) gynecological care provider can recommend the screening tests appropriate for you. The health care provider will be interested in reviewing any risk factors you may have for common
chronic diseases and discussing what you can do to prevent illness and injury. In addition to the tests routinely recommended for adults your age, other tests will be suggested based on your risk factors.
As you age, you may benefit by visiting your health care provider more frequently to obtain preventive care services and detect problems early, when treatment is more likely to be effective. Above 50 years of age, more tests are generally recommended than for younger adults. At 65 years old, or earlier depending on your health, more frequent health care may be especially appropriate. In your 80s and 90s, some screening tests become less valuable in protecting your health, but some continue to be worth it.
The screening tests you need can be dealt with in a checkup that you schedule or as part of other health care visits. Having annual visits is especially helpful for individuals with a specific disease or increased risk for certain health problems. Scheduling a visit for “well care” gives you more time to discuss your concerns and focus on preventing health problems. At the end of a health care visit, ask your health care provider when you next need a preventive service and if a separate “health maintenance” visit would be best for any of these.
The menu at right links you to articles on the screening tests widely suggested for adults 50 years of age and older. Listed first are the routine screening tests—those generally recommended for all individuals of a certain age range. Next are the tests health care providers consider for targeted screening—for individuals who appear to have risk factors, other than their age, for a certain condition.
For more information on preventive medicine and steps you can take to keep you and your family healthy, read Staying Healthy in an Era of Patient Responsibility.
General Sources
Adult preventive care recommendations. May 2005. Massachusetts Health Quality Partners. Available on the Internet at http://www.mhqp.org/guidelines/adultGuidelines.asp?nav=040908 through http://www.mhqp.org. Accessed 4 Feb 2008.
General screenings and immunizations for women. National Women’s Health Information Center, US Department of Health and Human Services. Available on the Internet at http://www.4women.gov/screeningcharts/general through http://www.4women.gov. Accessed 4 Feb 2008.
Guide to Clinical Preventive Services, 2007. US Preventive Services Task Force. Available on the Internet at http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/pocketgd07/gcp2c.htm through http://www.ahrq.gov. Accessed 4 Feb 2008.
Screening tests and immunizations guidelines for men. National Women’s Health Information Center, US Department of Health and Human Services. Available on the Internet at http://www.4women.gov/screeningcharts/men through http://www.4women.gov. Accessed 4 Feb 2008.
Summary of recommendations for clinical preventive services (rev 6.4). 15 Aug 2007. American Academy of Family Physicians. Available on the Internet at http://www.guideline.gov. Accessed 4 Feb 2008.
Preventive services for healthy living. American Academy of Family Physicians. Available on the Internet at http://familydoctor.org/x1548.xml through http://familydoctor.org. Accessed 19 Oct 2004 and 7 Feb 2008.
Recommended clinical preventive services for adult men. 2006. American Academy of Family Physicians. Available on the Internet at http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/clinical/exam/agecharts.html through http://www.aafp.org. Accessed 3 Dec 2007.
