Health in Your 50s

• Colonoscopy every 10 years
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years
• CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every five years
• Double contrast barium enema every five years

(If any of the above tests are positive, a colonoscopy should be done.)

Tests that mainly find cancer:

• Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) every year
• Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year
• Stool DNA (sDNA), interval uncertain

Discuss options and procedures with your health care professional to determine the best screening method for you.

Dental exam: Visit the dentist regularly. Check-ups can detect early signs of oral health problems and bone loss. Professional tooth cleaning is also important for preventing oral problems and should be done every six to 12 months.

Diabetes screening: You should be screened every three years; more often or earlier if you’re overweight or have other risks for diabetes.

Eye exam: The American Academy of Ophthalmology now recommends that starting at age 40, adults with no risk factors or signs of eye disease get a baseline screening. Then based on the results of that initial screening, an ophthalmologist will prescribe the necessary follow-up exams. For people of any age with symptoms of eye disease or risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or family history of eye problems, the academy recommends they see an ophthalmologist to determine how often they should have their eyes examined.

Mammography: You should be screened for breast cancer with mammography every one to two years and get a clinical breast exam annually. Guidelines on breast cancer screening vary, so talk to your health care professional about what’s right for you.