Adult Medical Screenings
Medical screenings are recommended to help monitor for signs of disease and detect it in the earliest stages. These screenings can often be done at the time of your annual physical or may need to be ordered by the doctor and then scheduled at a different time and location. Some of the important adult screenings include:
- Mammogram – for women age 40 and older a yearly mammogram and a clinical breast exam by a healthcare provider is recommended.
- Pap Test – women age 21 and older (or sooner if sexually active) should have a yearly cervical cancer screening. Beginning at age 30, your physician may suggest less frequent screening if you have had three normal test results in a row.
- Chlamydia Test – women should be tested yearly (usually at time of Pap) after becoming sexually active.
- Colon Cancer Test – men and women at average risk for colon cancer should begin screening at age 50. There are a number of different screening tests that can be ordered so talk with your doctor about which test is best for you.
Check with your doctor about recommended screening for you as well as other important tests you may need. Based on your medical or family history, screening may begin earlier or be required more often.
Use this guide to help remind you to schedule well-care visits with your family doctor.
- Preventive Screening Guidelines for Children and Adults - English (PDF)
- Preventive Screening Guidelines for Children and Adults - Spanish (PDF)
Call Member Services if you need help finding a doctor or scheduling an appointment.