Health is the most important aspect of anybody’s life. As a matter of fact, it should be given the maximum effort and attention it deserves. A lot of resources and time goes into making ourselves healthy and feeling good.
At every stage of life factoring in age, one needs frequent medical checkups to ascertain if one is in a great health condition.
Check-ups do reduce the chances of one getting ill from preventable diseases or getting worse health wise. A qualified physician should conduct the test and give recommendations that should be followed. After all, prevention is always the key to longevity.
The most common yet deadly illnesses are of course cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Regular medical checkups and medical examination can save your life due to early detection and prevention and that is why we have compiled a list of probable health risks and their corresponding tests.
Health risks at the 20s
Women:
- Melanoma- leading cancer in adults between the ages of 25-29. Can also occur to cancer patients between the ages of 15-25.
- Human papillomavirus- It is the leading cause of cervical cancer and it can start developing in the early 20s for some people.
- Breast cancer-It affects women of all ages especially those in their teens and above. The chances of developing breast cancers increase in those people with a family history of breast cancer.
Men:
- Testicular cancer – most common among men in between 20 to 39.
- Melanoma- This one type of cancer that has been seen to increases by 3.1 percent every year.
Tests:
- Annual skin checkup is very important. The dermatologist should check signs of skin cancer.
- Blood pressure should also be checked at every visit to a doctor.
- Pap smear and pelvic exam should be conducted annually.
- Any man above the age of 20 should have a testicular exam.
- Cholesterol tests should be conducted after every five years.
Health risks at the 30s
- Type 2 diabetes – 20 percent of women over the age of 30 have type 2 diabetes, men of the same age are not an exception.
- Colorectal cancer – this mostly affects men at the age of 30 to 40.
- Heart disease – it is the number one killer of men over the age of 35.
Tests:
- Blood sugar tests every five years.
- Screening for prostate and colorectal cancer.
Health risks at the 40s
- Ovarian cancer– most women suffer from ovarian cancer at this age.
- Male cancers – men over 45 are likely to get any type of cancer if they have a background of cancer in their family history and testicular cancer it the most common.
Tests:
- Annual mammogram for all women and ovarian screening for women on menopause.
- Annual skin exams and prostate exam often especially to those with trouble when urinating and pelvic pain.
Health risks at the 50s
- Osteoporosis – half of the women in this cohort will most likely break a bone due to osteoporosis.
- Colon cancer – it is a deadly type of cancer that affects both men and women between 54 to 60.
- Stroke – occurs mostly before the age of 65 and the risk doubles after every decade.
Tests:
- Bone density testing after 3 years.
- Coronary screening annually including ECG.
Health risks at the 60s
Stroke, colorectal and colon cancer is very common and affects this group of people with high chances of death.
Tests:
- Colonoscopy screening should be conducted every five years
- Prostate exam and pap smear should be done.
The bottom line is that the age you are does not matter as prevention is the only stepping stone to better health.