Screen Savers II

The following guide can remind you of some ongoing health screenings you should be considering as an adult.

Test: Blood Pressure
Checks for: hypertension, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

How often: every physician visit, or at least every one to two years. At risk adults may learn to check their own blood pressure.

Test: Blood Cholesterol
Checks for: elevated cholesterol level, a risk factor for heart disease.

How often: periodic exams for men ages 35-65 and women ages 45-65, depending on risk factors and with physician consultation.

Test: Mammogram
Checks for: breast cancer

How often: for women over 40, every 1 to 2 years depending on their overall hea lth, family history and physicians' recommendation. Every year after age 50.

Test: Pelvic Exam/Pap Smear
Checks for: cervical cancer in women.

How often: initial exam when sexual activity begins, and continuing at least every three years thereafter.

Test: Fecal Occult Blood Test
Checks for: colorectal cancer

How often: for men and women, annually after age 50.

Test: Digital Rectal Exam
Checks for:colorectal cancer in men.

How often: for men over 40, once a year.

Test: Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test
Checks for: prostate cancer in men.

How often: for men over 50, once a year, depending on risk factors and physicians' recommendation. A PSA should be done in combination with a digital rectal exam.