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SCREENING TESTS: WHAT YOU NEED AND WHEN
Don’t wait until you’re in pain to see the doctor. Regular exams and screenings can help detect diseases at their earliest, most treatable stages. You can use the information here as a starting point, but it’s best to talk with your doctor about a schedule of checkups and screenings that will meet your personal needs.
FOR CHILDREN
Ask your doctor how often your child needs a checkup. Most experts suggest checkups at ages 2-4 weeks; 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 months; and 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 years.
Checkups allow your doctor to review your child’s growth and development, perform tests
or give shots. Checkups also are a good time for parents to ask questions. Make a list of your questions and concerns and take it with you.
And be sure to keep your child’s immunizations up-to-date. Some parents express concern about shots, believing they may injure or harm their child. The medical consensus is clear, however, that the many benefits of immunization outweigh the small risks of potential harm. |
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FOR MEN
Cholesterol: Have your cholesterol checked at least every five years, starting at age 25. If you smoke, have diabetes or if heart disease runs in your family, start at age 20.
Blood Pressure: Have your blood pressure checked at least every two years.
Colorectal Cancer: Begin regular screening for colorectal cancer at age 50. Start earlier if you have a family history of colorectal cancer or certain diseases of the colon. Your doctor can help you decide which test is right for you. How often you need to be tested will depend on which test you have.
Diabetes: Have a test to screen for diabetes if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or a high BMI.
Depression: If you’ve felt “down,” sad or hopeless, and have felt little interest or pleasure in doing things for two weeks straight, talk to your doctor about whether he or she thinks you should be screened for depression.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Talk to your doctor to see whether you should be screened for sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV.
Prostate Cancer: Men over 50 (or 40 for African Americans and those with a family history) should have an annual screening that includes a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and digital rectal examination (DRE).
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FOR WOMEN
Pap Smears: Have a Pap smear every one to three years if you have been or are sexually active or are older than 21. The test for human papillomavirus, which causes cervical cancer, may be considered also.
Cholesterol: Have your cholesterol checked regularly starting at age 35. If you smoke, have diabetes or if heart disease runs in your family, start at age 20.
Blood Pressure: Have your blood pressure checked at least every two years.
Colorectal Cancer: Have a test for colorectal cancer starting at age 50, earlier if you have a family history of colorectal cancer or certain diseases of the colon. Your doctor can help you decide which test is right for you.
Diabetes: Have a test to screen for diabetes if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or a high BMI.
Depression: If you’ve felt “down,” sad or hopeless, and have felt little interest or pleasure in doing things for two weeks straight, talk to your doctor about whether he or she thinks you should be screened for depression.
Osteoporosis: Have a bone density test at age 65 to screen for osteoporosis (thinning of the bones). If you are between the ages of 60 and 64 and weigh 154 pounds or less, talk to your doctor about whether you should be tested. Some situations merit testing at a younger age.
Chlamydia and Other Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Have a test for chlamydia if you are 25 years old or younger and are sexually active. Talk to your doctor to see whether you should be screened for other sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV. |
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Learn more about the benefits of mammography.
Get directions to the OSU Medical Center mammography center closest to you.
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WOMEN’S EXTRA: MAMMOGRAMS
Mammography can detect many types of breast cancer even before you can feel a lump. Women with average risk and no family history should begin getting mammograms every year after they turn 40. Complete screening and diagnostic services are available at the following mammography centers:
Complete screening and diagnostic services are available at the following mammography centers:
JamesCare at Macy’s
Second floor, Easton Town Center
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday
The Babe Zaharias Center
James Cancer Hospital
300 W. 10th Ave., Room 100
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday
JamesCare in Dublin,
Comprehensive Breast Health Services
4019 W. Dublin-Granville Road
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday
JamesCare University Hospital East
1492 E. Broad St.
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday
JamesCare at Martha Morehouse Medical Plaza
2050 Kenny Road, 2nd Floor Pavilion, Suite 2500
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday |
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