A Periodic Health Evaluation

Pap test

A sample of cells taken from the cervix during a pelvic exam to look for changes that could lead to cancer

When: Yearly for women 18 years and older (doctor and patient to decide to have less often if patient has three normal test in a row, if low risk)

Mammography

An X-ray of the breast to look for breast cancer

When: Every 1-2 years from age 40 to 50 years; yearly beginning at age 50 years

Colorectal cancer screening

Screening may be done with fecal occult blood test, flexible sigmodioscopy, colonoscopy, or double contrast barium enema to look for cancer

When: Yearly fecal occult blood test, plus sigmoidoscopy every 5 years beginning at age 50 years, colonoscopy every 10 years, or double contrast barium enema every 5-10 years

Osteoporosis screening

A bone scan used to determine bone density

When: Every 2 years starting at Menopause