When detected early, many diseases can be cured or successfully managed. Your primary care physician can work with you to make sure you get the proper screenings. Primary care doctors include internists, family practice doctors, gynecologists and geriatricians.

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Screening Guidelines for Women Over Age 62

Disease/Illness	Screening Test	How Often
Heart Disease	Blood Pressure Screening	With every checkup, at least yearly
	Cholesterol Screening	Once every five years until age 75
Diabetes	Fasting Plasma Glucose Test	Once every three years
Thyroid	TSH Blood Test	Periodically as directed by your doctor
Colon Cancer	Fecal Occult Blood Test	Yearly
	Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)	Every five years
	Sigmoidoscopy or Colonoscopy or Barium Enema	Every five years Every five to 10 years
Vision	Glaucoma Screening	Yearly
Influenza	Flu Shot	Yearly
Pneumonia	Vaccine	Once at age 65
Tetanus and Diphtheria	Vaccine	Booster shot every 10 years
Breast Cancer	Breast Self-Exam	Monthly
	Clinical Breast Exam	Yearly by your doctor
	Mammogram	Every one to two years as directed by your doctor
Cervical Cancer	Pap Smear	Every one to three years as directed by your doctor
Osteoporosis	Bone Mineral Density Scans	Periodically after menopause