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Health Topics & Conditions

Wellness Guide

Adult Health Screening Guidelines*

(Guidelines are recommended for adults free of symptoms and with no risk factors.)

* Your child's health care provider will recommend a schedule for health examinations.

Male and Female  Age Range  Frequency 

Blood pressure/weight/height

20-40 years
Over 40 years

Every 1-2 years
Every year

Eye exam

20-39 years
40-54 years
55-64 years
Over 65 years

One-time comprehensive exam
Every 2-4 years
Every 1-3 years
Every 1-2 years

Dental care

Every 6-12 months

Skin cancer

Regular skin checks for changes in moles/birthmarks

Colon cancer

Over 50 years

Colonoscopy every 10 years if average risk and stool check for blood every year

Cholesterol

Over 20 years

Every 5 years

Male     

Testicular self-exam

Over 15 years

Every month

Female     

Mammography

Over 40 years
Over 50 years
Over 75 years

Every 1 – 2 years (discuss your risk factors with your health care provider to decide testing frequency)
Every year
Discuss with health care provider

Breast self-exam

Over 20 years

Every month

Pap test*

21-65 years;
under 21 years
if sexually active


Over 65 years

Every 1-3 years, may reduce frequency after 3 consecutive negative yearly exams within 5 years if no risk factors

Discuss with health care provider

* Pelvic and Pap screening should begin at onset of sexual activity or by age 21. Patients who have had hysterectomies for non-cancerous reasons do not need a Pap.

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