Preventive care guidelines
General evaluations: (a) Blood pressure, weight and height to calculate body mass index (BMI), risk factors. (b) Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) -- Annually. FOBT tests for hidden blood in the stool, which may be a sign of colon cancer. (c) Sigmoidoscopy or Colonoscopy. Sigmoidoscopy is an internal inspection of the lower colon to screen for cancer and polyps (pre-cancerous growths). If colonoscopy has been performed within the last ten years, FOBT is not indicated.
Laboratory testing: (a) Lipid Screen -- Every 5 years until age 70. Lipid profile test should include total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Immunizations/Vaccines: (a) Diphtheria-Tetanus -- Booster every 10 years, (b) Influenza -- Optional annually to age 65, then annually, (c) Pneumococcal Vaccine -- At age 65
Women's Health: (a) Thin Prep Pap -- Every 3 years until age 65. Not routinely indicated above age 65. Pap smear tests for abnormal cervical cells which can indicate increased risk of cervical cancer. This is not a test for uterine or ovarian cancer. (b) Mammogram -- Every 1-2 years, Mammogram is a low dose breast x-ray to screen for breast cancer. (c) Bone Density Test -- Recommended at age 65, then annually. This is a low dose x-ray to screen for the thinning and weakening of bones, which increase the risk of osteoporosis and fracture.
Men's Health: (a) Prostate Specific Antigen -- Optional annually (PSA) until age 70. PSA is a chemical produced by the prostate gland. Levels of PSA can be measured in the bloodstream. High levels of PSA are associated with several conditions of the prostate including harmless enlargement, inflammation or prostate cancer. In other words, one can have an elevated PSA level but not have prostate cancer.
