AGES |
20-29 |
30-39 |
40-49 |
50 and older |
| Physical Exam | Every 2-3 years | Every 2-3 years | Every 2-3 years | Every 1-2 years |
| Blood Pressure | Every 1-2 years | Every 1-2 years | Every 1-2 years | Every 1-2 years |
| Vision | Every 3-5 years | Every 3-5 years | Every 3-5 years | Every 2-3 years |
| Pap Test1 (Women) | Every 2-3 years | Every 2-3 years | Every 2-3 years | Every 2-3 years |
| Mammogram2 (Women) | Every 1-2 years | Every 1-2 years | ||
| Breast Self-Exam* (Women) | Monthly |
Monthly |
Monthly |
Monthly |
| Professional Breast Exam (Women) | Every year | Every year | ||
| Testicular Self-Exam (Men)** | Monthly |
|||
| Digital Rectal Exam | Every Year |
|||
| Stool Blood Test | Every year | |||
| Sigmoidoscopy | Every 3-5 years | |||
| Cholesterol Blood Test3 | Every 3-5 years | Every 3-5 years | Every 3-5 years | Every 3-5 years |
| Glaucoma Screening4 | Every 2-3 years | |||
| Regular Dental Checkup | Every year | Every year | Every year | Every year |
| Diabetes Screening5 | Every 3-5 years | Every 3-5 years | ||
Note: Recommendations for routine medical exams
may vary. These apply only to healthy people who do not have symptoms of illnesses. If you
have an increased risk of a particular illness, testing may need to be done sooner or more
often. Extra tests may also need to be done. Follow your doctor's advice. Also, check with
your insurance company to see if and when tests are covered.
1. Pap tests should start at age 18, or under age 18 if sexual activity
has begun. They should be given every year until tests are normal 3 years in a row.
Thereafter, pap tests should be given at least every 3 years. {Note: The American College
of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends an annual pap test.}
2. As recommended by the National Cancer Institute. Women who are
at higher risk for breast cancer should seek expert medical advice about whether to begin
mammography before age 40 and how often to get mammograms in their 40s.
3. The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) recommends a blood
cholesterol test at least once every 5 years, and that high-density lipoprotein (HDL) be
part of the initial cholesterol testing.
4. Glaucoma screening is recommended earlier for African Americans. It
should be done every 2-3 years between the ages of 40 and 49.
5. Diabetes screening should be done every 3 years starting at age 45.
* See How to Examine
Your Breasts
** See Testicular Self-Exam (TSE)
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 1999 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 04/20/99