At The Gardens at Springfield in Springfield, Missouri, our assisted living residents receive regular health assessments to help them stay well. To get you started, here are five screenings older adults may want to consider.

1. Colorectal Cancer Screening

If you’re between the ages of 45 and 75, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends you get tested for colorectal cancer, a disease that often starts with precancerous polyps growing on the colon’s inner lining. You can get screened for colorectal cancer through several common tests, including:

• Colonoscopy: Before a colonoscopy, you'll have to do a bowel prep, which empties your bowels so the doctor can see clearly during the procedure. For the test, which is usually done under general anesthesia, your physician inserts a thin, flexible tube into your rectum and up through your colon. This lighted scope lets your doctor examine the lining and remove any suspicious growths for further testing. If you’re at average risk of colorectal cancer, you'll probably only need a colonoscopy every 10 years.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy: A sigmoidoscopy is similar to a colonoscopy, but the scope only travels into the lower third of your colon. Your doctor may opt for a flexible sigmoidoscopy instead of a colonoscopy because it's less invasive and can often be done without sedation. You may have to repeat this test every 5-10 years, depending on your risk of colorectal cancer.
• Stool tests: If you’re at average risk of colorectal cancer and don’t want to undergo a colonoscopy, your doctor may prescribe a stool test to screen for blood or altered DNA in your colon. These tests, which require a stool sample, can be done in the comfort of your home or assisted living residence. Depending on the type of stool test your doctor orders, you may need to repeat it every 1-3 years.
• Virtual colonoscopy: A virtual colonoscopy uses a CT scan to provide images of your entire colon so your doctor can check for polyps or other abnormalities. It typically needs to be done every 5 years.

2. Breast Cancer Screening

According to the USPSTF, if you're a woman between the ages of 40 and 74, you should be screened regularly for breast cancer. Typically, screening is done using mammography, which can detect tumors that aren’t large enough to feel when you're doing a physical breast exam. Depending on the technology used, mammograms may provide a 2D or 3D picture of your breast that can help your doctor see tumors or abnormal cells that could indicate cancer. Mammograms are usually performed every 2 years, although your doctor may order more frequent testing if you have a family history of breast cancer or other factors that contribute to a higher risk of developing the disease.

If you have dense breast tissue, mammography may not be effective, so your doctor may recommend a breast MRI. Breast MRIs may also be recommended if you have a higher risk of developing breast cancer.

3. Lung Cancer Screening

If you were a smoker who smoked at least one pack daily for 20 years (or two packs daily for 10 years) and quit within the last 15 years (or still smoke), you should consider lung cancer screening. The USPSTF recommends individuals aged 50 to 80 who meet the above criteria get screened annually using low-dose computed tomography. This painless scan takes only a few minutes and provides a detailed image of your lungs so your physician can assess your lung health.

4. Cervical Cancer Screening

If you haven't yet reached age 65, The American Cancer Society recommends testing for cervical cancer. Screening may be done through a Pap test, which collects cervical cells that can be examined for changes, or through an HPV test, which checks cells for human papillomavirus infection, which can lead to cancer. Your doctor may also order a combined test, which checks for both.

These tests are typically done while your gynecologist performs a pelvic exam. They only take a few minutes.

5. Prostate Cancer Screening

If you’re a man over the age of 50 with an average risk of developing prostate cancer, The American Cancer Society recommends you get screened regularly for this disease. After your first screening, you'll probably need to repeat the test every 1 or 2 years, depending on the initial results.

Screening typically includes a simple prostate-specific antigen blood test, which looks for PSAs in the blood. If the test shows a high PSA level, you may need further testing. Some physicians may also recommend a digital rectal exam. During this test, your doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum to inspect for lumps or other abnormalities that might indicate cancer. Although this exam may be uncomfortable, it’s usually over quickly.

Talk to Your Doctor

Screening guidelines are only recommendations, so talk to your doctor. If you have a family history of cancer or are experiencing troubling symptoms, your physician can help you choose screening or diagnostic tests that suit your needs.

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