Annual Eye Exam
If you have diabetes, you should schedule an annual eye exam. Make going to the eye doctor a priority. Individuals with diabetes are at an increased risk for eye diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, cataract, and glaucoma. Your eye doctor will conduct special tests to check the health of your eyes to keep you seeing well for as long as possible.
Cancer Screenings
Cancer screenings can vary across individuals, depending on their age, risk factors, and family and medical history. Research has shown that some screening tests can reduce cancer deaths. According to the National Cancer Institute, those include:
- Colonoscopy – Screenings for colon cancer, including colonoscopy and other indirect colon cancer tests, can diagnose early-stage colon cancer and precancerous cells, which can be removed to prevent cancer from developing.
- Low-dose CT scan – Individuals at risk for developing lung cancer should have a low-dose CT scan, which can detect and diagnose lung cancer. Early detection—before symptoms appear—can reduce lung cancer deaths.
- Mammogram – The American Cancer Society recommends the following screening guidelines for mammogram to detect early-stage breast cancer in asymptomatic average-risk women:
- Women ages 40-44 should have the choice to start annual mammograms after discussion with their provider.
- Women ages 45-54 should have an annual mammogram.
- Women ages 55 and older should have mammograms every two years, or can continue annual screenings.
- Pap test and human papillomavirus (HPV) testing – Cervical cancer death rates have dropped dramatically since regular Pap test screening was introduced. Today, most health professionals recommend that Pap testing begin at age 21 and occur every 5 years if done with HPV testing.
Your provider may also discuss screenings for skin cancer and prostate cancer, depending on your age and risk factors.
Sexually Transmitted Infections Screening
If you’re sexually active, talk to your doctor about getting tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). An open and honest conversation can help you and your doctor identify your risk and get you the information and tests you need to stay healthy.
Some individuals with an STI, such as HPV or chlamydia, may show no symptoms but can still infect others. Left untreated, these infections can have serious complications on your physical, emotional, and reproductive health.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends STI screenings for the following individuals:
- Annual chlamydia and gonorrhea screenings for all sexually active women under age 25 and older women with risk factors
- Chlamydia and gonorrhea screenings for pregnant women at risk for infection
- HIV screenings at least once for everyone ages 13-64
- HIV testing should be done more frequently for those at risk, including those who have more than one partner or use IV drugs.
- Syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea screening for all sexually active gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men
- Syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B screenings for all pregnant women
Emory Healthcare is committed to providing confidential and accessible STI testing at sites across metropolitan Atlanta. We partner with organizations around the community to deliver family planning, sexual education, and sexually transmitted infection screenings and resources.
Know Where To Start
The choices you make on a day-to-day basis lead to your overall health and wellness. Our providers are here to meet you where you are and help you take the next best steps to better outcomes.
If you or a family member is due for a health visit, talk with your provider about which screenings are right for you. You can make an appointment with many Emory Healthcare practice locations by calling them directly on their office lines. Search for a provider who fits your needs at emoryhealthcare.org/providers.
