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We’re all used to routine blood tests, X-Rays and other preventative health screenings. Many health services around the World have increased their focus on screenings as they can save money and resources in addition to lives. Some risk factors can be tackled by lifestyle changes. However, there are some that we can do little to avoid. Early detection can often significantly increase the chance of survival or of living longer. The US Preventive Services Task Force, the most widely recognized authority on preventive screenings, publishes recommendations on the type of screenings that are valuable and the frequency of the tests. They categorize them by problem, age and gender. The types of screening may be:
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A comprehensive screening exam involves discussing your entire health picture with your provider. This is done in conjunction with a thorough physical exam. Private insurance plans vary widely on coverage and frequency, so check your plan carefully. You are eligible for this kind of screening once within six months of signing up for Medicare Part B.
The table below summarizes the major kinds of screening that the US Preventive Services Task Force has identified as being important to seniors.
| DIAGNOSTIC TESTING | |||
| Test | Purpose | Frequency | Indicators |
| Blood Pressure | To identify hypertension, which can lead to heart attack, stroke and kidney failure. | At least every two years. | Readings should be no higher than 120/80 for people of all ages. |
| Cholesterol Levels | Elevated total cholesterol, low HDL, high LDL and high triglycerides, either alone or in combination with each other, are proven risk factors for developing heart disease and strokes. | Every five years for adults over 19 years of age. Annually if a problem is detected. |
There are four indicators:
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| Blood Sugar Levels | Diabetes, which can lead to blindness, heart, kidney and peripheral artery diseases. | Varies based on risk factors (family history, overweight, age), so check with your healthcare provider. | Normal FASTING blood glucose levels should be under 100 to be considered “normal”. |
| Colon Cancer Screening | To identify colon cancer, which has a five year survival rate of about 60%. |
There are various kinds of test:
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Parameters vary according to the type of test. |
| Vision Test | To detect changes in near and far vision that may occur with age and glaucoma, an increase in pressure in the eye that can lead to vision problems. | > Discuss with your healthcare provider. There is additional risk for people who are:
Diabetic |
Diagnosis requires expert consultation. Many vision problems can be corrected with lenses or laser surgery. |
| Hearing Test | To identify hearing loss or deafness. | Every 10 years between ages 19-39 and then discuss the frequency with your healthcare provider after age 40. | The ability to detect low and high frequency sounds and low volume sounds can be measured quite accurately. |
| MEN ONLY | |||
| Test | Purpose | Frequency | Indicators |
| Prostate Cancer Screening | Prostate cancer can be detected early and be successfully treated. The overall five-year survival rate for prostate cancer is 98 percent. |
Most medical coverages allow for digital rectal exams and PSA test annually. Your risk increases:
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There is no clear consensus on the optimal PSA threshold for recommending a prostate biopsy for men of any racial or ethnic group. However, lower is almost always better. |
| WOMEN ONLY | |||
| Test | Purpose | Frequency | Indicators |
| Breast Cancer Screening | Breast cancer is the most common form of non-skin cancer in women and is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the US. |
All women should have mammograms and a clinical breast exams every one-to-two years after age 40. Women at high risk include:
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Detection requires expert physical and mammogram examination. |
| Cervical Cancer Screening | Cervical cancer is quite common. Five year survival rates are in the 96 to 99 per cent range. | Women between the ages of 19-65 should have PAP (“pap smear”) tests done every one two three years depending on risk. After 65 tests should be at the discretion of your physician. | Detection requires expert consideration of PAP tests. |
| Osteoporosis | People (mainly women) with osteoporosis are at high risk for fractures that can be very debilitating and painful. |
A bone density test should be done at least once after age 65 or earlier if the patient is at high risk, e.g.:
. | Detection depends on interpretation of bone density levels in relation to body build. |
Although not it is not preventive screening, other life style changes, such as eating correctly, quitting smoking, exercising and reducing stress are also important. You should also consider yearly flu shots, a one-time pneumonia vaccine and other vaccines as recommended by your physician. We;’ve added some information on preventative screening on the Useful Sites page and posted some useful articles on the Audio and Video page..
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