Consult with your physician about these and other medical screenings, as well as frequency, based on your personal medical information. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

You already realize the importance of knowing and improving “your numbers” – weight, blood pressure, blood sugar level, and cholesterol, among others. But even if your numbers are OK or improving, there are other (sometimes less frequent) highly important tests – let’s call them “your screenings” – which you should also complete. These screenings provide you and your doctor a more complete picture of your health so certain issues can be addressed sooner rather than later.

Medical professionals with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend adults periodically receive the following cancer screenings:

• Colorectal cancer screening – Men and women should begin regular testing at age 50; discuss testing method and frequency with your doctor (e.g., colonoscopy every 10 years) based on test results, age, and other risk factors. For more information, see the CDC Colorectal Cancer Screening Fact Sheet.

• Cervical cancer screening (Pap test) – A woman should begin regular testing at age 21 and discuss frequency with her doctor based on test results, age, and other risk factors. For more information, see the CDC Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines.

• Mammogram – Every 2 years for women age 50 or over. Women age 40 to 49, or with risk factors for breast cancer, should discuss frequency with her doctor. For additional information, see the
  CDC Breast Cancer Screening Fact Sheet.