Health Tip: Screening Tests Can Be Lifesavers

(HealthDayNews) -- Screening tests are remarkably effective ways to catch diseases and conditions before they become too serious.

Be sure to ask your doctor about screening tests recommended by the American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association and American Heart Association.

Here is a list of tests recommended for people at average risk:

• Blood pressure. Check at each regular health-care visit.
• Body-mass index. Check at each regular health-care visit.
• Clinical breast exam and mammography. Get a CBE every three years until age 40, then yearly with your mammogram.
• Pap test. Get one every year from age 20 to 30; at 30 and older, get screened every one-to-three years, depending on the type of test and past results.
• Cholesterol check. Starting at age 20, get tested every five years.
• Blood glucose test. Starting at age 45, have your fasting blood glucose checked every three years.
• Colon screening. Starting at age 50, get screened every one to 10 years, depending on the type of test.
• Prostate exam. Starting at age 50, ask your doctor about how often to be screened.

Other periodic tests may be a good idea, depending on your family and personal medical history. Talk to your doctor about which tests are right for you.

-- Anne Thompson