| SCREENING TYPE |
DESCRIPTION |
WHEN TO GET IT |
WHY IT MATTERS |
| Blood Pressure |
A cuff placed on upper arm, inflates, compresses artery, releases, monitors |
Annually after age 40, or more often if it runs high or with comorbidities |
High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease and stroke |
| Lipid Profile (Cholesterol Test) |
A blood test that checks cholesterol and triglyceride levels. (TC, TG, HDL, LDL) |
Every 4–6 years, or more frequently if elevated or family history |
High TG and LDL increase the risk of heart disease |
| Blood Sugar (Glucose Test) |
A blood test checking glucose levels |
Starting at age 45 or earlier with comorbidities or family history |
Checks risk of diabetes and can increase heart disease |
| Bone Mass |
Uses a DEXA scan – a low dose x-ray – checks bone mass (ex: osteoporosis) |
Start at age 65, or at age 50 with family history |
Osteoporosis is more common in women especially with menopause |
| STD/STI Testing |
Tests for HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, HPV |
Annually for sexually active individuals |
Open communication with partners and regular testing are key; monogamy may reduce risk |
| Breast Cancer |
Mammogram, Ultrasound or MRI |
Begin annual screenings at age 40; earlier (age 30) with strong family history |
Early detection greatly increases treatment success |
| Cervical Cancer |
Pap test every 3 years and/or HPV test every 5 years |
Between ages 25-65 |
HPV affects both men and women; HPV vaccine recommended between ages 9–16 |
| Colorectal Cancer |
Stool or visual test |
Begin screenings at age 45 through age 75 |
Family history may require earlier screenings |
| Lung Cancer |
CT scan (LDCT) |
Annually from age 50 to 80 for current or recent smokers (quit within past 15 years) |
LDCT is more effective than standard X-rays for detecting lung cancer in high-risk individuals |
| Prostate Cancer |
PSA blood test or digital rectal exam |
Start at age 50, or at 45 if there’s a family history |
Screening frequency depends on individual risk factors |
#Routine #Health #Screenings #Matter #Donna #Hayek
