The new year is a great time to consider recommendations beyond general diet and exercise resolutions. health check Mark them on your calendar, experts say.
Screening decisions for each person depend on individual factors such as gender, medical conditions, family history, and other factors.
“Even if you feel well, early detection is your greatest weapon against cancer,” Eric D. Whitman, M.D., system medical director of Atlantic Health System Cancer Care in New Jersey, told FOX News Digital. .
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“When it comes to that, all types of cancerThe earlier it is detected, the better the survival rate and the ability to treat cancer. ”
In addition to cancer, preventive monitoring for other diseases is also important.
Screening decisions for each person depend on individual factors such as gender, medical conditions, family history, and other factors. (St. Petersburg)
Below are eight of the most important medical exams that doctors shared with Fox News Digital.
1. Mammography for breast cancer
Current guidelines from the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommend that women ages 40 to 49 discuss the risks and benefits of biennial mammography with their doctors.
For women over the age of 50, it is recommended to have a regular mammogram every two years.
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“Having said that, Family history of breast cancer or genetic mutations, such as BRCA1/2, may require earlier or more frequent screening,” said Eric D. Whitman, M.D., system medical director of Atlantic Health System Cancer Care in New Jersey. told FOX News Digital.
2. Colonoscopy for colorectal cancer
Whitman said average-risk adults between the ages of 50 and 75 should have regular colonoscopies every 10 years.
“Persons with a family history of colorectal cancerinflammatory bowel disease or certain genetic syndromes may require earlier or more frequent colonoscopies,” he said.
Oncologists say average-risk adults between the ages of 50 and 75 should have regular colonoscopies every 10 years. (St. Petersburg)
For some patients, stool tests such as FIT (fecal immunochemical test) or Cologuard may be an alternative option, he added.
“It's important to discuss your options with your doctor to develop the best screening strategy for you,” Whitman says.
3. Skin cancer screening
Adults of all ages should regularly perform self-skin exams and report any suspicious changes to their doctors, Whitman advises.
She also recommends seeing a dermatologist every year for an exam.
“Adults who are at higher risk due to fair skin, sun exposure, or family history may require professional skin examinations more frequently,” he said.
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“early detection skin cancerespecially melanoma, is extremely important,” the doctor added.
“Be aware of the ABCDEs of melanoma (asymmetry, border irregularity, color change, diameter, evolution) and contact your doctor immediately if you notice any changes that concern you.”
4. Heart health checkup
nevertheless Heart disease Although it remains a leading cause of death, it can often be prevented or managed through aggressive testing and lifestyle modifications.
Dr. Anjali Dutta, a cardiovascular specialist with New Jersey's Atlantic Health System, recommends annual physical exams and screenings starting as early as age 21.
Cardiologists recommend annual physical exams and screenings starting as early as age 21. (St. Petersburg)
“These visits should include a basic evaluation of blood pressure, heart rate, weight, complete blood count (CBC), comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), and common blood tests including hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). '' he told FOX News Digital.
“This baseline reveals potential issues such as: high cholesterol, diabetes, or early signs of heart disease. ”
For patients with normal results, the screening can be repeated every two to three years, Dutta said.
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Annual testing is important for people with risk factors such as high blood pressure or a family history of heart disease, he said.
Doctors also recommend getting a baseline electrocardiogram around age 40, but younger people with a family history of heart disease, arrhythmia, or concerning symptoms such as heart palpitations or shortness of breath may want to get it done sooner. You may consider having an electrocardiogram.
Cardiologists recommend a baseline electrocardiogram at around age 40, but younger people with a family history of heart disease, arrhythmia, or concerning symptoms such as heart palpitations or shortness of breath may be recommended to undergo a baseline ECG test earlier. You may consider having an electrocardiogram. (St. Petersburg)
“This simple test can detect electrical abnormalities in the heart and may reveal hidden risks before symptoms develop,” he said.
for the people Over 50 years oldDutta suggests considering a stress test, which assesses the heart's function during exertion, and an echocardiogram, which provides detailed images of the heart chambers and valves.
“These tests can identify failures and weaknesses before they cause serious problems,” he said.
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For individuals between the ages of 40 and 70, coronary artery calcium scores may also be beneficial, Dutta said.
“This painless screening tool uses a CT scan to reveal the amount of plaque buildup in your coronary arteries, providing a glimpse into your risk of future heart disease,” he said.
“It's important to communicate openly with your doctor about even seemingly minor concerns.”
“With this information, you can take preventative measures such as eating a healthy diet, exercising, and managing stress, even if you don't currently have symptoms.”
“It's important to remember that a healthy heart doesn't develop through screening tests alone,” Datta added. “That’s why open communication is so important.” with the doctorEven if it's a seemingly trivial problem.
5. Sleep health checkup
An estimated 39 million adults in the United States live with sleep apnea. Sleeping disorder It causes a long cessation of breathing and a drop in blood oxygen levels.
This condition not only disrupts sleep, but can increase the risk of many chronic and fatal health conditions.
These include illness, stroke, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and early or sudden death, said Dr. Chelsea Rohrscheib, chief sleep expert at New York-based Wesper. A company that develops sleep disorder diagnostic technology.
An estimated 39 million U.S. adults have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes prolonged periods of cessation of breathing and low blood oxygen levels. (St. Petersburg)
“Testing for sleep apnea is recommended for people who have some or all of the following symptoms: chronically poor sleep quality, excessive daytime sleepiness, snoring, cognitive impairment, Headaches, waking up gasping for breath, chronic insomnia, high blood pressure or heart rhythm disorders, frequent urination at night, a bad mood, or mental health” Loescheib told FOX News Digital.
Experts noted that screening for sleep apnea has become easier due to the availability of home sleep tests that can detect sleep apnea while the patient is sleeping in their own bed.
6. Cervical cancer screening
Approximately 11,500 new infections occur each year. cervical cancer According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 4,000 women have been diagnosed with the disease and have died from it.
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Dr. Jeff Gordon, medical director of hematology-oncology at Massachusetts Memorial Hospital Harrington, says women should get cervical cancer screening at age 25 and primary human papillomavirus (HPV) testing every five years until age 65. We recommend that you take it.
After that, screening is not required if the person has no history of the disease within the past 25 years and has had “sufficient prior negative screening” within the past 10 years, Gordon told FOX News Digital.
Each year, approximately 11,500 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed and approximately 4,000 women die from cervical cancer. (St. Petersburg)
If a primary HPV test is not available, the Connecticut state senator and public health committee member recommends a combination of a pap smear and an HPV test every five years, or a pap smear alone every three years. .
7. Prostate cancer screening
Approximately 288,300 new infections prostate cancer Approximately 34,700 men diagnosed with the disease died from the disease in the United States in 2023, according to the American Cancer Society.
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“Men should make an informed decision with their doctor about the potential benefits of a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test. Starting at age 50 if at average risk, or sooner if at high risk. We need to start,” Gordon told FOX News Digital.
“Digital rectal examination of the prostate may also be considered.”
8. Retinal examination
Cases of diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes, are expected to increase by 72% by 2050, according to the CDC.
”eye examination “Early detection can help improve the quality of life for people with diabetes,” said Michael, an Iowa-based retinal specialist and founder and executive chairman of the artificial intelligence health tech company Digital Diagnostics. said Dr. D. Abramoff.
Cases of diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes, are expected to increase by 72% by 2050, according to the CDC. (St. Petersburg)
Eye exams are important at any age, but about one-third of patients over 40 have signs of diabetic retinopathy, he told FOX News Digital.
“Screening can detect complications ranging from floaters to blindness,” Abramoff said.
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These are just some of the preventive health exams patients can receive.
“I encourage everyone to have an open and informed conversation with their doctor to develop a personalized screening plan that best suits their unique needs and risk factors,” Whitman said.
“Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. It's important to work with your doctor to develop a personalized screening plan based on your personal medical history, family history, risk factors, and lifestyle.”
For more health articles, visit: www.foxnews.com/health.
