Health Screenings and Tests

• Annually

Pap tests should start at age 21 regardless of the age of onset of sexual activity. Most women have one every three years. If normal screenings at age 30 and older, have one every five years. (ref: American Cancer Society 2012)

• Annually over age 18

A clinical breast exam is performed by a healthcare professional who is trained to recognize many different types of abnormalities and warning signs. This in-office exam will most likely be completed by your family physician or gynecologist at your annual exam.

• Baseline at age 40; annually after age 40

Early detection of breast cancer is key to higher survival rates, better prognosis and lower treatment costs. Mammography is currently the most effective screening for breast cancer. Billings Clinic offers the "next generation" full field digital mammography. In addition, tomosynthesis technology for mammography provides a 3-D view of the breast, making fine details more clearly visible.

• Annually*

Talk to your doctor or nurse about how often a prostate screening is right for you. *If you hve a family history of prostate cancer before the age of 65, get a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test and a rectal exam every year beginning at age 45.

• Annually

The PSA test is a blood test used primarily to screen for prostate cancer. The test measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood.

• Every 10 years or Sigmoidoscopy: Every 3 to 5 years

A colonoscopy is one of several screening tests for colorectal cancer. Talk to your doctor or nurse about these tests, how often you need the tests and which test is right for you.

• Are between the ages 50 and 77*
• Are still smoking or quit smoking within the past 15 years
• Have a 20-pack year or more history of smoking

*Insurance coverage varies. Tricare now covers screening for ages 55-80.

Lung cancer screening is a process that's used to detect the presence of lung cancer in otherwise healthy people with a high risk of lung cancer.

• Every 1 to 5 years depending on risk factors

A physical examination helps your primary care provider to determine the general status of your health. The exam also gives you a chance to talk to your provider about any ongoing pain or symptoms that you're experiencing or any other health concerns that you might have.

• Every health contact or at least every 2 years

Blood pressure is an important screenings because high blood pressure often has no symptoms so it can be hard to detect without being measured. If your blood pressure is higher, your doctor may want to check it more often. High blood pressure can be controlled through lifestyle changes and/or medication.

• Baseline at age 20; every 5 years, if normal

Getting your cholesterol levels checked is an important part of staying healthy. High cholesterol increases your risk for heart disease and stroke, two leading causes of death in the United States. Knowing your cholesterol status can help you stay in control of your health.

• Every 3 years

A skin cancer screening is a visual exam of the skin that can be done by yourself or a health care provider. The screening checks the skin for moles, birthmarks, or other marks that are unusual in color, size, shape, or texture. Certain unusual marks may be signs of skin cancer.

• Annually over age 40

A digital rectal exam (DRE) is a test for both men and women. It allows a doctor to check the lower rectum, pelvis, and lower belly for cancer and other health problems.

• Annually

A stool occult blood test looks at a sample of your stool (feces) to check for blood. Occult blood means that you can't see it with the naked eye. Blood in the stool means there is likely some kind of bleeding in the digestive tract.

• Every 10 years; every 3 years after age 50

A hearing screening is a quick test to see how well you hear different sounds. You either pass or fail the screening. If you pass, you do not need to do anything else. If you fail, you may need more testing to see if you have a hearing loss. You can have a hearing screening at any age. You may be referred to an audiologist if you require more testing.

• Every 2 to 4 years

A vision screening, also called an eye exam, is a brief exam that looks for potential vision problems and eye disorders. Vision screenings are often done by primary care providers as part of a regular checkup. Your provider may refer you to ophthalmologist or optometrist for a more comprehensive dilated eye examination.

Screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes is recommended in adults aged 35 to 70 years who have overweight or obesity (defined as a body mass index ≥25 and ≥30, respectively). With appropriate screening, diabetes can be detected and treated earlier to improve overall health.