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Three leading health agencies, including the American Cancer Society, have teamed up to write a
master set of screening guidelines for healthy adults. The recommendations spell out which tests
and exams are needed at various ages to uncover threatening health conditions, such as high blood
cholesterol levels, and to find early signs of cancer, diabetes, or heart disease. All three diseases can
be controlled more successfully when found early.
The American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association are the two other agencies
which helped write the screening guidelines below.
Unified Screening Recommendations
For Men and Women
- Blood pressure measurement
Starting at age 20, each regular healthcare visit, at least every two years
- Body Mass Index (BMI) measurement
Starting at age 20, each regular healthcare visit
- Blood cholesterol test
Starting at age 20, at least every five years
- Blood glucose (sugar) test
Starting at age 45, every three years
- Colorectal screening
Starting at age 50, every 1-10 years depending on the test your doctor uses
Women
- Clinical breast exam (CBE)
Starting at age 20, every three years; yearly after age 40
- Mammography
Starting at age 40, yearly
- Pap test
Starting at age 20, yearly
After age 30, every one to three years, depending on the test your doctor uses and past results
Men
- Prostate specific antigen test and digital rectal exam
Starting at age 50 ask your doctor about the pros and cons of testing
More information about the agencies' collaboration and how to protect your health is available by
calling, toll-free, 1-866-399-6789 or visiting www.everydaychoices.org,
the online component of the "Everyday Choices for a Healthier Life" public health campaign.
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