Your dad is about to turn 70. Is his doctor likely to recommend any new tests or health screenings? What should you be considering when it comes time to arrange his yearly check-up?<\/p>\n
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening<\/strong><\/p>\n This isn’t a test that every doctor will recommend, but your dad should ask about it if he was or is a smoker. It’s an ultrasound that’s used to look for signs of problems with the abdomen’s aorta. If there’s a problem or signs of a pending aneurysm, your dad can have it treated before it becomes dangerous.<\/p>\n Blood Pressure<\/strong><\/p>\n Your dad should be getting his blood pressure checked each year. Ideally, he should check it at home when he’s comfortable and relaxed and keep track of those readings for his doctor.<\/p>\n As he is likely to be nervous or anxious at the doctor’s office, his blood pressure reading may be higher there. Ask if it’s possible to have his blood pressure taken right before he leaves when the blood draws and other stressful tests are over.<\/p>\n Cholesterol Screening<\/strong><\/p>\n Every five years, your dad needs to have blood drawn for a cholesterol check. His doctor may recommend it more often if he’s at risk of heart disease.<\/p>\n Colorectal Cancer Screening<\/strong><\/p>\n A fecal occult blood test is one of the first tests used to screen for colorectal cancer. It’s a swab test that looks for signs of blood in the stool. His doctor may recommend a fecal immunochemical test instead.<\/p>\n Every five years, your dad’s doctor may recommend he undergoes a virtual colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy to look for signs of growths that can lead to colorectal cancer. A full colonoscopy is advised every 10 years. A family history of colorectal cancer may change the frequency at which these tests are offered.<\/p>\n