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Anyone who owns a car knows that you need to service it on a regular basis to ensure that it runs smoothly and without problems. Well the same is true for your health too – regardless of your age, regular health check-ups can help find potential health problems before they become more problematic, and help you to live a happier, healthier, fitter life. Prevention is always better than cure.
But what tests should we really be doing? The best answer to this is to see your doctor, as there are various factors which influence what tests they will recommend, dependent mainly upon your age and your potential risk factors including family history. However as a general guide consider the following;
20s RISKS
Instead of waiting until your 50s to see your doctor, it’s important to start regular health check-ups in your 20s to catch danger signs early.
Women:
Melanoma, HPV PAPILLOMAVIRUS (leading cause of cervical cancer), High Cholesterol, Breast Cancer
Men:
Melanoma, Testicular Cancer, High Cholesterol
POSSIBLE TESTS:
Women:
Annual skin check by doctor/dermatologist for signs of skin cancer
Blood Pressure check every doctor visit
Pelvic Exam and Pap Smear annually after age of 25yrs
Cholesterol test every 5 years, starting at age 20
Self Breast Examination (you doctor can teach you how to do this)
General chat about your mental health
Men:
Self-Testicular Exam annually after age 20 (your doctor can teach you how to do this)
Annual skin check by doctor/dermatologist for signs of skin cancer
Cholesterol test every 5 years, starting at age 20.
General chat about your mental health
30s RISKS
Both men and women are at a greater risk for Heart Disease and Type 2 Diabetes after age 30.
Women:
Cervical Cancer, Breast Cancer, Type 2 Diabetes
Men:
Type 2 Diabetes, Melanoma, Testicular Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Heart Disease
POSSIBLE TESTS:
Women:
Pelvic Exam and Pap Smear annually for cervical abnormalities
Breast Exam annually for women with family history of cancer
Blood sugar test every 5 years/annually if overweight
Annual skin check by doctor/dermatologist for signs of skin cancer
General chat about your mental health
Men:
Blood sugar test every 5 years/annually if overweight
Cholesterol testing every 5 years
Annual testicular exam
Annual skin check by doctor/dermatologist for signs of skin cancer
Screenings for colorectal and prostate cancer if high risk
General chat about your mental health
40s RISKS
The affects of physical aging become more pronounced , and both men and women are at an increased risk of many forms of cancer.
Women:
Heart Disease, Breast Cancer, Ovarian Cancer
Men:
Heart Disease, Colorectal Cancers, Male Cancers including Prostate and Testicular
POSSIBLE TESTS:
Women:
Bone density testing every 3 years if at risk of osteoporosis
Blood sugar testing and cholesterol testing annually to detect/prevent heart disease
Annual mammogram for all women
Ovarian screening for post-menopaused/high risk women every 3 years
Annual skin check by doctor/dermatologist for signs of skin cancer
General chat about your mental health
Men:
Blood sugar test every 3 years
Heart disease screening every 5 years – annually if high risk
Colorectal screening annually
Prostate exam if high risk or experiencing symptoms such as trouble urinating or pelvic pain
Annual skin check by doctor/dermatologist for signs of skin cancer
General chat about your mental health
50s RISKS
Your risk for heart disease, many cancers, stroke and Type 2 diabetes increases exponentially.
Women:
Osteoporosis, Colon Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Heart Disease, Stroke
Men:
Heart Disease, Prostate Cancer, Colon Cancer, Stroke
POSSIBLE TESTS:
Women:
Bone density testing every 3 years
Ovarian screening every 3 years
Blood sugar testing every 3 years/annually if overweight or at high risk
Colorectal screening every 5 years
Coronary screening annually including EKG
Continued annual skin exams, pelvic exams, pap smears and mammograms
General chat about your mental health
Men:
Prostate cancer screening every 3 years. Annually if high risk
Cholesterol testing annually
Annual skin check by doctor/dermatologist for signs of skin cancer
Colon cancer screening every 3 years. Annually if high risk
Continue testicular exams every 3 years
General chat about your mental health
60s+ RISKS
Your risk of Type 2 Diabetes decreases for both men and women after 60, while the risks for heart disease and many cancers increases sharply.
Women:
Osteoporosis, Colorectal Cancer, Stroke, Heart Disease
Men:
Prostate Cancer, Colon Cancer, Stroke.
POSSIBLE TESTS:
Women:
Colorectal screening every 3 years
Bone density testing every 2-3 years
Colonoscopy screening every 5 years
The following should be continued annually:
Mammogram, Pelvic Exam, Pap Smears at Doctors discretion, Coronary Screening, Skin check
General chat about your mental health
Men:
The following should be done annually:
Cholesterol testing, Coronary screening, Prostate exam, Skin check
Colorectal screening every 3 years
General chat about your mental health
By building a relationship with your doctor, they will better be able to assist you in all aspects of your well-being including your mental health. Your doctor can also refer you to all other allied health professionals for further advice/testing if required. If you are not happy with your doctor or don’t connect then find one which you do connect with.
It’s also a great idea to pencil in an annual time to have a check-up, such as a day before your birthday so that you don’t forget. Obviously if your workplace has in-house regular medical check-ups, then you won’t have to worry about this.
So I’m interested to know, do you get regular medical check-ups, and if not why?
Rob
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