Physical Exam Frequency

See all Pictures & Images

Age 40 to 65

• Go to the dentist every year for an exam and cleaning.
• If you have vision problems, continue to have an eye exam every 2 years. Everyone (those with and without eye problems) should begin to have regular eye exams every 2 years after the age of 40. Once you turn 45, make sure that you also have tonometry done to check for glaucoma.
• Have your blood pressure checked every year.
• If your cholesterol level is normal, have it rechecked every 5 years.
• Have a physical exam every 1 to 5 years. With each exam, you should have your height and weight checked. Other routine diagnostic tests are not recommended.
• MEN should have a yearly rectal exam to check for colorectal cancer and prostate cancer after the age of 50. You should also have a stool guaiac test done every year and flexible sigmoidoscopy every 3 to 5 years. Patients at high risk for colon cancer (those with long-standing ulcerative colitis, prior colorectal cancer, prior large colorectal adenomas and strong family histories of colon cancer) should be screened periodically with colonoscopy.
• WOMEN should perform a monthly breast self-exam. If you are not sure what you should be looking for, contact your health care provider for instruction.
• WOMEN should have a yearly pelvic exam and Pap smear done to check for cervical cancer and other disorders. If your Pap smears are negative for three years in a row, have your Pap smear done every 1 to 3 years.
• WOMEN over the age of 40 should have a mammogram done every 1 to 2 years to check for breast cancer. After the age of 50, women should have a mammogram every year.
• You should have a tetanus-diptheria booster vaccination every 10 years.
• You should receive a flu vaccine every year after the age of 50.