Routine Screenings

Have you had your mammogram? What about a prostate exam? A colonoscopy? When do you need these tests? I'm so glad you asked!

The US Preventative Services Task Force has reviewed multiple screenings and decided when and what should be done and how frequently. Let me share the most common with you broken down by gender. This is not exhaustive by any means, but it will be the most common, most basic tests that should be completed routinely. Obviously check with your PCP and see if you need these or any other tests.

WOMEN

• Pap smears
• Generally begin at age 21
• If normal, only need testing every 2-3 years.
• Breast exams
• Annually beginning at age 21
• Mammograms
• Annually beginning at age 40
• Earlier if necessary (personal or family history of breast cancer, etc).
• Colonoscopies
• Stool test first beginning at age 50
• If positive, then colonoscopy.
• If negative, repeat annually.
• Personal/family hx may change these recommendations.
• DEXA scan
• Osteoporosis screening at age 65

MEN

• Prostate exams
• Typically with blood work first beginning at age 55
• Colonoscopies
• Stool test first beginning at age 50
• If positive, then colonoscopy.
• If negative, repeat annually.
• Personal/family hx may change these recommendations.

EVERYONE

• Labs should occur based on your personal history.
• If you have diabetes, every 3-6 months typically.
• If young/healthy, every 1-2 years.
• Should include checks for anemia (CBC), liver/kidneys (CMP), cholesterol, HIV, Hep C (if you were born between 1945 and 1965).