Health screening tests can find which health problems early?
The correct answer is all of the above. A health screen is a type of test that checks for health problems before any symptoms occur. It can find many health problems early, when they may be easier to treat. Even if you feel fine, you should see your health care provider regularly to learn about these tests.
Men under age 40 should have their blood pressure checked at least:
The correct answer is every year. If you are age 40 or older, or you have risk factors for high blood pressure (such as having blood pressure higher than 130/85, being overweight or having obesity, or being African American), have it checked every year. You may need blood pressure checks more often if you have diabetes, heart disease, or other health problems. Ask your doctor how often you should have your blood pressure tested.
Starting at age 35, men should have a cholesterol test at least every:
The correct answer is every 5 years. If you have diabetes or other risk factors for heart disease, you should start having your cholesterol tested at age 20. If the test shows that you have high cholesterol, your doctor can help you make healthy changes to bring those numbers down.
All men should have a complete eye exam by age:
The correct answer is 40. You should have an eye exam sooner if you have vision problems or a family history of glaucoma. Glaucoma damages the nerve that connects the eye to the brain. It is the second most common cause of blindness in the U.S.
Starting at age 45, men should have screening for colon cancer:
The correct answer is true. There are several ways to screen for colon cancer including tests of your stool and tests that examine the inside of your colon. You may need this test earlier or more often if you have risk factors for colorectal cancer. After age 75, talk with your doctor about the benefits of having these tests.
Only women need to be screened for osteoporosis.
The correct answer is false. Osteoporosis occurs when bones become fragile and can break easily. It's more common in women, but men can get it too. In some men, low testosterone leads to a loss of bone. All men ages 50 to 70 with risk factors for osteoporosis should discuss bone density screening with their doctor.
Those who should consider being tested for type 2 diabetes include:
The correct answer is any of the above. Your doctor can test you for type 2 diabetes by checking your blood sugar level. You should have the test every three years if you are age 35 or older and are overweight or have obesity. Ask your doctor if you should have your blood sugar tested.
You may need a hearing test if you have:
The correct answer is any of the above. All of these can be signs of hearing loss due to aging. If you notice that you don't hear as well, or have trouble understanding what people say, ask your doctor about scheduling a hearing test.
All men over age 50 should have prostate cancer screenings.
The correct answer is false. Not all experts agree about the value of using a PSA or other tests to screen for prostate cancer. Talk to your doctor about whether you should have a PSA test. If you are African-American or have a family history of prostate cancer, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of PSA tests starting at age 55.
Men ages 65-75 who have smoked may need another test:
The correct answer is true. Men ages 65-75 who have a history of smoking may need to be tested for an abdominal aortic aneurysm. This occurs when the vessel that supplies blood to the abdomen, pelvis, and legs becomes swollen. An ultrasound can spot the vessel that may be in danger of bursting.
There is no test to screen for lung cancer.
The correct answer is false. Low-dose computed tomography is a test that looks for lung cancer in its early stages. Adults ages 50 to 80 years who currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years and also have a 20 pack-year smoking history should have this test annually. If you smoke or have smoked in the past, ask your doctor about being screened for lung cancer.