Who doesn’t need a little guidance for their health and wellness? Summer is the perfect time to prioritize your health and get your screenings in check.
Here’s a quick look at the latest recommendations for common screenings to help you stay healthy:
ALL AGES: ANNUAL WELLNESS CHECK
Establish a relationship with a primary care provider and visit at least once per year. Important components of your visit include:
- Cholesterol screening
- Blood pressure screening
- Medication review
- Physical exam
- Vaccines (like flu, tetanus and shingles)
- Referrals for additional screenings and specialists
AGES 18 – 39
Screenings:
- HIV – For all adults ages 18–65 years
- Hepatitis C – Once between ages 18-79
- Cholesterol check – For ages 20 and above every five years (more often if numbers are high)
For women:
- Pap test for cervical cancer – ages 21-39, every three years
- HPV test for cervical cancer – ages 30 and above, every five years with or without pap test
- Chlamydia and gonorrhea screening – ages 15-24, yearly if sexually active
- BRCA genetic testing – at age 25 if there is a family history of breast or ovarian cancer
AGES 40-49
Screenings:
- HIV – all adults ages 18–65 years
- Hepatitis C – Once between ages 18-79
- Colon cancer screening – Begin at 45, and options vary but include annual at-home fecal testing with or without colonoscopy every 10 years. High-risk individuals may start screenings as soon as 40 with at-home fecal tests yearly
- Cardiac CT screening for heart disease – men 45 and over, women 55 and over and individuals with a history of smoking or other risk factors. Discuss with your provider
- HGB A1C and cholesterol – ages 45 and under if overweight and have one or more risk factors
For women:
- Mammogram for breast cancer – ages 40-54 should receive annually
- Pap test for cervical cancer – ages 21-39, every three years
- HPV test for cervical cancer – ages 30 and over, every five years with or without pap test
AGES 50-74
Screenings:
- HIV – all adults ages 18–65 years
- Hepatitis C – once between ages 18-79
- Colon cancer screening – options like yearly at-home fecal testing or a colonoscopy every 10 years.
- Lung Cancer Screening – ages 50-74. Low-dose CT scan may be needed yearly based on smoking history.
- Screening for aortic aneurysm – Men 55 and over and women 65 and over who have a history of smoking should undergo abdominal ultrasound screening for aortic aneurysm. This may be advisable for non-smokers with a family history of aneurysm; discuss with your provider.
For women:
- Cardiac CT screening for heart disease – women 55 and over
- Pap test for cervical cancer – every three years
- HPV test for cervical cancer – every five years with or without pap test
- Bone-density screening – begin at age 65
For men:
- PSA test for prostate cancer – all men ages 50-74 should discuss this simple blood test with their provider.
AGES 75 AND OVER
Screenings:
- Hepatitis C – once between ages 18-79
- Colon cancer screening – options like yearly at home fecal testing or colonoscopy every 10 years
- Lung cancer screening – Low-dose CT scan may be needed yearly based on smoking history. Discuss with your provider.
For women:
- Continue bone density screening
Don’t hesitate to prioritize your wellness this summer! To learn more about Singing River’s locations and providers, visit singingriverhealthsystem.com.
