CholesterolThis is a blood test that’s part of a lipid profile, which determines your heart health and measures the sum of your high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good”) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad”) cholesterol, and triglycerides (type of fat used for energy).
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that helps the cells in your body function, but a buildup in your blood vessels can increase your risk of health issues, such as heart disease, etc.
Discuss screening recommendations with your healthcare team since they may have specific guidance for you based on your health history.
Abdominal An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an enlarged area in the lower part of your aorta. The aorta is a vessel that runs from the heart through the center of the chest and abdomen and supplies blood to the body.
The aorta is your largest blood vessel. Abdominal aortic aneurysms often grow slowly and can be difficult to detect since they’re often asymptomatic. Aneurysms may stay small, while others grow larger over time.
Talk to your healthcare provider about your risk factors and if you should be screened, since recommendations vary for both men and women. Generally, men 65-75 who have smoked in the past should have a one-time abdominal ultrasound screening.
Blood A blood pressure test measures the pressure of blood pushing against your artery walls using two numbers:
High or low blood pressure can be an indication of a health issue that can potentially be managed with lifestyle changes. High blood pressure can damage the circulatory system and lead to heart attack, stroke and /or other health conditions.
Blood pressure is usually checked during a routine checkup. People with no heart disease risk factors that are 18-39 should be tested once every 2-5 years and those ≥40 should be tested annually. If you have risk factors or have had abnormal readings you should be tested more often. Discuss screening recommendations with your healthcare team since they may have specific guidance for you based on your health history.
Breast A mammogram is a low-dose x-ray that can help identify changes in breast tissue. A breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the breast. A breast ultrasound uses sound waves and echoes to make images of the breast that show any breast changes.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, aside from skin cancers. Early detection of breast cancer is easier to treat successfully.
Women at average risk of breast cancer between 40-44 have the option to begin screening, and those 45-54 should have a mammogram annually. Women ≥55 can switch to mammograms every other year or continue with annual screening. Women at high risk for breast cancer should have a breast MRI and a mammogram annually, starting at age 30. Discuss recommendations with your healthcare team since they may have specific guidance for you based on your health history and risk factors.
Cervical HPV (human papillomavirus) is the greatest risk factor for developing cervical cancer. An HPV test allows doctors to test for high-risk HPV types by looking for strands of DNA in cervical cells. The Pap test collects cells from the cervix to find cancer and pre-cancer.
Screening can help prevent cervical cancer by finding pre-cancers (abnormal cell changes) that can be treated before they can turn into cancer. It can also help identify cancer early.
People with a cervix should have a primary HPV test every 5 years, starting at 25. If not available, an HPV and Pap test can be done every 5 years or a Pap test can be done alone every 3 years. Discuss recommendations with your healthcare team since they may have specific guidance for you based on your health history and risk factors.
Colon Many tests are used to screen for colorectal cancer and include: stool-based tests, colonoscopy (scope used to assess colon and rectum), CT colonography (CT scan of colon/rectum) and flexible sigmoidoscopy (less commonly used in the US that assesses part of colon/rectum).
Colon cancer is the third most common, cancer in adults, aside from skin cancers. Early detection can lead to more favorable health outcomes.
People at average risk should begin colon cancer testing at 45 and those that are higher risk should begin testing earlier. Discuss recommendations with your healthcare team since they may have specific guidance for you based on your health history and risk factors.
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