According to a survey conducted by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 29% of women have "not seen a health care provider on a regular basis, had a Pap test, or had a mammogram in the past year. 18% responded that these things were not necessary, 7% responded that they didn't know how to get screened, and 7% thought this was a waste of time." There are several preventive health screenings which all adults should have. This table of tests and frequency for testing can be a guideline for all adults.

TEST/EXAM: FREQUENCY

Dental Exam and Cleaning: Semi-annually

Stool for Occult Blood: Yearly after age 50 (if not already
screening for colon cancer)

Colonoscopy: Every 10 yrs. from age 50

Rectal: Every 5 to 10 yrs. from age 50

Hearing: Every 10 yrs. from age 18, then every
3 years from age 50

Thyroid: Every 5 yrs. from age 35

Blood Pressure: Minimally every 2 yrs.

Cholesterol: Every 5 yrs. from age 35 (or age 20 if
there is a family history of heart disease)

Fasting Blood Glucose: Every 3 yrs. from age 45

Skin: Every 3 yrs. from age 20; annually from
age 40

Eye: Once from age 20 to 29, twice from age
30 to 39, every 2 to 4 yrs. to age 65,
annually from age 65

Women specifically should also have the following preventive health screenings:

TEST/EXAM: FREQUENCY

Mammogram: Annually from age 40

Clinical Breast Exam: Every 3 yrs. from age 20 to 40,
annually from age 40

Bone Density: Once after age 65, earlier if there are
risk factors present

Pap Test & Pelvic Exam: Every 3 yrs. before age 21, every 1 to 2
yrs. to age 30, every 2 to 3 yrs. to age
70 (more frequent screenings if risk
factors are present)

Most of these test are simple and painless. Get these tests to help prevent or to catch an illness early! For further questions, please call your parish nurses, Nicki Reynolds, R.N. or Kris Thompson, R.N. at (314) 837-1090.

(Screening recommended by www.womenshealth.gov/screeningcharts and www.cancer.org.)