Screening tests can catch diseases early and when they are easier to treat. The U.S. health experts Preventive Services Task Force (U.S. Preventive Services Task Force of the United States) have made recommendations based on scientific evidence, about testing for the conditions described below.
Obesity
Calculate your Body Mass Index (Body Mass Index or BMI, in English) to detect obesity. The BMI is a measure of body fat based on your height and weight. You can get your own BMI with the BMI calculator from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (National Heart, Lung and Blood) .
Breast Cancer
Become a mammogram every 1-2 years beginning at age 40.
Cervical Cancer
Become a Pap smear every 1-3 years if:
Have you had sexual activity at some point.
You are between the ages of 21-65 years.
High cholesterol
Check your cholesterol regularly after 45 years of age.
If you are under 45 years of age, talk to your doctor whether you should examine your cholesterol if:
Diabetes
You have high blood pressure.
Heart disease runs in your family.
Smoke.
High Blood Pressure
Check your pressure at least every two years. The pressure is considered high if it is 140/90 or higher.
Colorectal Cancer
Become a colorectal cancer screening from 50 years of age. Your doctor can help you decide which test is right for you. If there is a history of colorectal cancer in your family, you should examine you before.
Diabetes
Become a test for diabetes if you have the pressure or high cholesterol.
Depression
Your emotional health is as important as your physical health. If you’ve felt “down,” sad or hopeless over the last two weeks or have felt little interest or pleasure in doing things, you may be depressed. Talk to your doctor about whether you should get screened for depression.
Osteoporosis (Thinning of the bones)
Become a bone density test after 65 years of age to screen for osteoporosis. If you are between 60-64 years old and weigh 154 pounds or less, talk to your doctor to make the test.
Chlamydia and other sexually transmitted diseases
Become a test for chlamydia if you are 25 years or younger and are sexually active. If you are older, talk to your doctor about the test yourself. She also asked whether you should examine you for other sexually transmitted diseases like HIV.