Contents
- Screening for skin cancer
- Prophylactic examination for colorectal cancer
- Special examination for women
- A special study for men
- Hearing and sight tests
- Bone mineral density test
- Dental examination
- Kidney function test
- Prophylactic examinations of the thyroid gland
- Blood tests
- Chemical panel and complete morphology
- DHEA
- Homocysteina
- C-reactive protein (CRP)
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We become weaker and weaker with age. That is why it is worth paying attention to preventive examinations. They are extremely important. They can be used to detect disease or other stressful physical and emotional changes early and then implement appropriate treatment.
Screening for skin cancer
Check your skin regularly. Older people are more exposed to harmful UV radiation. Age alone increases the risk of skin cancer.
People with a large number of birthmarks and age spots, in particular, should regularly screen for this. The same applies to people who have been in the sun a lot and liked to sunbathe. Treatment of early stage skin cancer can be effective. If it spreads to other organs, the chances are slim.
- Find out more about screening
Prophylactic examination for colorectal cancer
Colonoscopy is one of several screening tests for colorectal cancer. During the examination, the doctor uses a long, thin, flexible, lighted tube to verify the presence of polyps or cancer in the rectum and the entire colon. It can find and remove most polyps and some cancers. Sometimes a colonoscopy is used as a follow-up test.
Special examination for women
Mammography is the primary screening test for breast cancer. Uses X-rays. The images created are called a mammogram. Mammography can also be used as a diagnostic test in the event of nodules or other disturbing symptoms.
- Read more on mammography
A special study for men
There are two basic screening tests for prostate cancer. One of them is the finger rectal examination of the prostate (DRE). The doctor puts a glove inside the rectum to check the prostate for abnormalities.
Another important study is PSA. It’s a protein that is produced by the prostate. It is mainly found in the semen. Small amounts are released into the bloodstream. When there is a problem with the prostate gland, PSA levels increase. When interpreting the result, the following should be taken into account:
- prostate size,
- inflammation of the prostate gland,
- benign prostatic hyperplasia,
- infection or irritation of the urinary tract
- prostate stimulation (e.g. sexual activity, cycling, gym training),
- anxieties.
Hearing and sight tests
The older we get, the more we may have a hearing problem. For many people, this is a natural part of aging. However, it can sometimes be a sign of a more serious problem. Routinely, an audiogram should be taken every 2-3 years.
Seniors should also see an ophthalmologist regularly, at least once a year. With age, the risk of cataracts and glaucoma increases. Your doctor will detect any suspicious symptoms.
Bone mineral density test
Bone density changes with age. Thanks to regular examinations, we can prevent serious injuries in the future. If you suffer from untreated osteoporosis, even a small fall can turn into serious injury.
In this test (BMD), bone density is checked at the heel, spine, hip, hand, or wrist. There are several types of BMD tests available. DEXA scanning is the most popular.
- Learn more about measuring bone density
Dental examination
Oral health is an important and unfortunately often overlooked aspect of overall well-being. Many drugs can negatively affect the teeth and gums. In combination with natural aging, the need for regular periodontal examinations in seniors increases. Oral problems increase the risk of systemic disease. Therefore, regular dental checkups are extremely important.
Kidney function test
It is used to study the stages of end-stage renal failure. Blood tests and urinalysis are the most frequently prescribed. If there is no worrying symptom, you can have it checked every 5 years. However, if you have a problem with high blood pressure, blood in your urine, frequent, difficult or painful urination, or swelling in your hands and feet, get more frequent tests.
- Also read: Laboratory diagnosis of kidney disease
Prophylactic examinations of the thyroid gland
The thyroid gland is located at the base of the neck in front of the trachea. It produces, stores and releases two hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Certain disorders can lead to a deficiency or excess of these hormones. The thyroid gland is controlled by the pituitary gland. This gland in the brain produces thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).
To find the exact cause of your thyroid problem, your doctor may order blood tests (TSH, FT3, FT4, and possibly TPO and TG antibodies) and ultrasound.
Blood tests
Chemical panel and complete morphology
They provide a wide range of diagnostic information to assess the health of the vessels, liver, kidneys and blood cells. Complete blood count measures the number, variety, percentage, concentration, and quality of platelets, erythrocytes, and leukocytes. It is therefore useful for infections, anemia and other hematological abnormalities.
The chemistry panel provides information on the health of the cardiovascular system. It checks the level of total cholesterol, good HDL cholesterol, bad LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. The chemistry panel also measures blood glucose levels and the most important minerals such as calcium, potassium, salt and iron.
- Read more on morphology
DHEA
It is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. A healthy level of DHEA can support the immune system, bone density, mood, libido, and healthy body composition. Elevated levels of this hormone may indicate congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
Homocysteina
Homocysteine is produced in the body during the metabolism of methionine. High levels are associated with an increased risk of heart attack, bone fractures, and impaired cognition.
- Read more on homocysteine
C-reactive protein (CRP)
Inflammation in the body can lead to a range of life-threatening degenerative diseases such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, macular degeneration, and cognitive decline. By checking your CRP levels regularly, you can develop diet, exercise, and supplementation. This way you will reduce the risk of many diseases.
- Find out more about C-reactive protein
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