While there's not one definitive approach to preventive care, medical experts have developed guidelines for testing and screenings in hopes of catching concerns while they are still treatable. Your doctor may add or take away from these recommendations based on your family history and new research. Keep those factors in mind when deciding with your doctor which tests are right for you.
In general, the following testing and screening recommendations from the United States Preventive Services Task Force can keep you on track:
- Blood pressure check
- Bone density test (screening for osteoporosis)
- Breast cancer screening (physical exams and mammograms/ultrasounds)
- Cervical cancer screening (PAP test)
- Cholesterol test
- Chlamydia (if sexually active)
- Colorectal cancer screening (fecal occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy)
- Diabetes screening
- Eye exam/glaucoma testing
- Gonorrhea testing (if sexually active)
- HIV testing (if sexually active)
- Syphilis test (if sexually active)
- Vitamin D levels
You should also talk honestly with your doctor about alcohol and drug use, signs of depression, weight concerns and exercise.
Some additional screenings are recommended for pregnant women.