Between 30 and 49 years of age, screening tests become important for men and even more so for women. Your primary care provider and (if you’re a woman) gynecological care provider can recommend the screening tests appropriate for you. Screening tests facilitate early detection of the most common and treatable diseases, such as
diabetes, cancer, and
heart disease—conditions that may appear in your middle or later years.
The health care provider will be interested in identifying any risk factors you may have for common chronic diseases and discussing what you can do to prevent illness and injury. In addition to the tests routinely recommended for adults your age, other tests will be suggested based on your risk factors.
The menu at right links you to articles on the screening tests widely suggested for adults 30 to 49 years old. Listed first are the routine screening tests—those generally recommended for all individuals in this age range. Next are the tests health care providers consider for targeted screening—for individuals who appear to have risk factors, other than their age, for a certain condition.
For more information on preventive medicine and steps you can take to keep you and your family healthy, read Staying Healthy in an Era of Patient Responsibility.
General Sources
Adult preventive care recommendations. May 2005. Massachusetts Health Quality Partners. Available on the Internet at http://www.mhqp.org/guidelines/adultGuidelines.asp?nav=040908 through http://www.mhqp.org. Accessed 4 Feb 2008.
General screenings and immunizations for women. National Women’s Health Information Center, US Department of Health and Human Services. Available on the Internet at http://www.4women.gov/screeningcharts/general through http://www.4women.gov. Accessed 4 Feb 2008.
Guide to Clinical Preventive Services, 2007. US Preventive Services Task Force. Available on the Internet at http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/pocketgd07/gcp2c.htm through http://www.ahrq.gov. Accessed 4 Feb 2008.
Screening tests and immunizations guidelines for men. National Women’s Health Information Center, US Department of Health and Human Services. Available on the Internet at http://www.4women.gov/screeningcharts/men through http://www.4women.gov. Accessed 4 Feb 2008.
Summary of recommendations for clinical preventive services (rev 6.4). 15 Aug 2007. American Academy of Family Physicians. Available on the Internet at http://www.guideline.gov. Accessed 4 Feb 2008.
Preventive services for healthy living. American Academy of Family Physicians. Available on the Internet at http://familydoctor.org/x1548.xml through http://familydoctor.org. Accessed 19 Oct 2004 and 7 Feb 2008.
