Family Medicine

It seems like my physician is always ordering medical tests for me. What tests do I really need to have done?

Dr. Christopher Zipp

When you think of it, you’ve probably had some type of screening test whenever you visited a physician. Even such basic tests as checking your height, weight, blood pressure or temperature will indicate some aspects of your overall health. As you grow older, your chance of developing such chronic diseases as high blood pressure, diabetes or cancer also increases, so your physician will need to periodically conduct or order routine tests to ensure your continued good health. The tests you need will depend on several factors, including your age and your personal and family medical history. Early detection provides the best chance of curing or controlling a disease or chronic medical condition, and spotting them early can be the difference between treating with lifestyle changes rather than resorting to prescription medications. If you are diagnosed with a chronic condition, periodic tests will then help your physician spot any changes that indicate the need to adjust your approach.

Here is a list of the routine health screening tests for adults that should be on your schedule.

Mammogram.

Late last year, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended that most women can wait until they are 50 to begin annual mammograms. As an individual, however, you should talk to your physician about your personal risks of breast cancer and when you should schedule your mammograms.

Pap test.

The American Cancer Society recommends a Pap test every two to three years for women over 30 who have had normal results from three consecutive annual Pap tests. Women older than 70 who have had three or more consecutive normal tests can discuss with their physician how often they need to be tested in the future.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and Digital rectal exam.

Although neither test is 100 percent accurate, most men older than 50 should be checked annually for prostate cancer. African-American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer should begin screenings earlier.

Skin cancer.

An annual head-totoe examination by your physician is a good way to catch any problems early. Let your physician know if you spot any suspicious looking moles, especially asymmetrical moles that have a ragged border or uneven color.

Colorectal cancer.

Everyone who has reached the age of 50 – or 45 years if you are African American – should be screened at least once every 10 years. Colorectal cancer is a deadly disease, but, when caught early, 90 percent of patients live at least five more years.

Cholesterol.

You should have a blood test to check your cholesterol at least once every five years, more frequently if your personal or family medical history indicates a higher risk. DIABETES. Nearly 20 percent of everyone older than 65 has diabetes. Get tested for this disease every three years, more often if you have hypertension or high cholesterol.

Hypertension.

Check your blood pressure frequently. Ideally, it should be below 120/80. Every time your top number increases by 20 points and your bottom number goes up 10 points, your risk of cardiovascular disease doubles.

Dental and vision check-ups.

Visit your dentist at least once each year and preferably every six months. If you’re 65 or older, schedule at least one vision exam each year.

Originally published in The University Doctor's MedicaLink- 01/10