Health Insurance Daily

A List of Standard Medical Tests And Immunizations For Women Ages 40-64

By Amy Kiley Ertel, MD

1. Pap Smear test------Yearly, unless your doctor specifies otherwise

A pap test is a sample of cells from the cervix (or vagina) which looks for changes that may lead to cancer

2. Mammogram--------At age 35, then every year after age 40

A mammogram is an x-ray of both breasts which looks for breast cancer.

3. Cholesterol level-------Every 5 years

Cholesterol levels are blood tests which check the level of cholesterol in your blood. Cholesterol helps to carry fat through the blood vessels. Levels that are too high can be an early sign of hardening of the arteries.

4. Fecal occult blood test-----Every year after 50

A test in which a stool sample is checked for blood, which could indicate colon or rectal cancer.

5. Sigmoidoscopy/ Colonoscopy------Every 3-5 years

A test in which a slender device is placed into the rectum and lower colon to look for cancer.

6. Tetanus-diptheria booster-------Every 10 years

A shot to immunize against tetanus and diptheria.

7. Influenza vaccine---------------Yearly beginning at age 55

A shot to immunize against the flu.

posted by Mike @ 2:00 AM