Health in Your 70s

Blood pressure: Have your blood pressure taken at least every two years if normal, more often if it is at or above 120/80. Your health care professional may recommend more frequent screenings.

Bone mineral density test: If you have not already had one, you should get a bone mineral density scan to check for osteoporosis. Your health care professional will advise you on follow-up testing depending on the results.

Cholesterol: Continue to have your cholesterol checked every five years if you do not have any risks for heart disease. Your health care professional may recommend more frequent screenings.

Colorectal cancer screening: You should be screened for colorectal cancer using any of several different screening methods. There are a number of tests that screen for colorectal cancer, and they are divided into two groups: tests that find both colorectal cancer and polyps, and those that mainly find cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends that women at average risk of colorectal cancer have one of the following screening tests beginning at age 50:

Tests that find polyps and cancer:

• 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.