Early Disease Detection: Screening 50 To 64 Years

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Screening, 50 to 64 Years

As you age, the risk of developing some diseases increases. Regular checkups and screening tests are important to stay in good health.

For a screening checklist, see www.ahrq.gov/ppip/men50.htm if you are a man and www.ahrq.gov/ppip/women50.htm if you are a woman.

How often you have the following tests depends on your age, health, and risk factors for specific diseases. Tests that may be done at your regular checkups include:

• Blood pressure screening.
• Breast cancer screening for women.
• Cervical cancer screening for women.
• Cholesterol screening.
• Colorectal cancer screening.
• Coronary artery disease screening.
• Dental checkup.
• Diabetes type 2 screening.
• Hearing tests.
• HIV test.
• Prostate cancer screening for men.
• Screening for alcohol abuse (also called alcohol misuse).
• Screening for depression.
• Sexually transmitted disease screening.
• Skin cancer screening.
• Thyroid disease screening.
• Tuberculosis screening.
• Vision tests and glaucoma screening.

After reviewing all of the research, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has not recommended for or against routine screening for dementia in older adults.¹

Monitor your weight, and see your doctor if you suddenly or consistently gain or lose weight. For more information, see the topics Healthy Weight and Obesity.

Last updated:	November 21, 2008
Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH
Reviewed By:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC