(This information is taken from United States Preventive Services Task Force Guidelines.)
Cancer Screening
- Breast cancer screening every 1-2 years for all women age 40-50 and continuing until at least age 74
- Cervical cancer screening using PAP smears for all women with a cervix starting at age 21 and continuing every 1-5 years until age 65-70. Frequency depends on the patient’s risk, type of test, and previous results
- Colorectal cancer screening for average risk men and women starting at age 50; younger for high risk patients
- Annual lung cancer screening with low dose CT scan for high risk patients age 55-79
- Screening for other types of cancer on a routine physical is either not recommended or there is not enough evidence to make a strong recommendation. Risks and benefits of screening for other types of cancers, including but not limited to prostate, ovarian, testicular, thyroid, and skin, should be discussed with your doctor at during your preventive physical exam
Cardiovascular Screening
- Men age 65-75 who have ever smoked should have a one-time ultrasound done to screen for abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Aspirin therapy should be considered for certain patients age 50-69 to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease and colon cancer
- All adults age 18 and older should be screened for high blood pressure
Infection Screening
- Screening for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea in all sexually active females age 24 and younger and women older than 24 who are at increased risk.
- Prophylactic antibiotic eye medication for all newborns
- All teens and adults at high risk for HIV, Gonorrhea, or syphilis should be screened
Metabolic
- Overweight and obese adults age 40-70 shoulde be screened for abnormal blood sugar
- Women age 65 should be screened for osteoporosis or women age 60 at increased risk.
Pediatric
- All newborns should be screened for sickle cell disease
- Infants age 6-12 months at increased risk should be screened for iron deficiency anemia
Others including tobacco use, alcohol abuse, obesity, and depression are very important and should be discussed with your doctor at any office visit.
For more info see: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/usp...