Health Screening: Finding Health Problems Early

Screening in adults is intended to identify diseases that may develop as you age. Routine checkups and screening are important to stay in good health.

How often men have the following tests depends on age, health, and things that make getting a specific disease more likely.

Tests that may be done include:

• Reference Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening.
• Reference Alcohol abuse (misuse) screening.
• Reference Blood pressure screening.
• Reference Cholesterol screening.
• Reference Colorectal cancer screening.
• Reference Coronary artery disease risk screening.
• Reference Dental checkup.
• Reference Depression screening.
• Reference Hearing tests.
• Reference HIV test.
• Reference Osteoporosis screening.
• Reference Prostate cancer screening.
• Reference Sexually transmitted infection screening.
• Reference Skin cancer screening.
• Reference Testicular cancer screening.
• Reference Thyroid disease screening.
• Reference Tuberculosis screening.
• Reference Type 2 diabetes screening.
• Reference Vision tests and Reference glaucoma screening.
• Reference Weight.

Your age and tests

Some tests are only done at certain ages.

• Before age 65, screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm isn't usually recommended. After age 65, talk to your doctor about your risk if you have ever smoked cigarettes.
• Before age 65, screening for osteoporosis isn't generally recommended. If you have Reference risk factors, talk to your doctor about when to start screening.
• For a screening checklist for men age 50 and older, see www.ahrq.gov/ppip/men50.htm.

Deciding about tests

It can be hard to decide whether you want to be screened for certain diseases or which type of test is best used.

Opens New Window Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Should I Get a Screening Test? Opens New Window

Opens New Window Colon Cancer: Which Screening Test Should I Have? Opens New Window

Opens New Window HIV Testing: Should I Get Tested for Human Immunodeficiency Virus? Opens New Window

Opens New Window Osteoporosis: Should I Have a Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Test? Opens New Window

Opens New Window Prostate Cancer Screening: Should I Have a PSA Test? Opens New Window

Opens New Window STI Testing: Should I Get Tested for a Sexually Transmitted Infection? Opens New Window

Sometimes doctors automatically schedule routine tests because they think that's what patients expect. But sometimes research shows that testing may not be useful or worth the risks or costs. For more information, see Reference Heart Tests: When Do You Need Them?

© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.