The Screenings Seniors Shouldn’t Skip
Feeling healthy is something to celebrate, but it does not always tell the full story. Many health conditions can begin without causing noticeable symptoms, which is why routine screenings become especially important as we age.
After 65, the right screening schedule will depend on your health history, previous results, risk factors, and your doctor’s recommendations. Staying informed and keeping up with appointments can help identify changes early, sometimes before you feel that anything is wrong.
Screenings are intended to look for changes before symptoms appear. They can also give your care team a clearer picture of your health over time, making it easier to recognize something new or unusual.
Regular mammograms remain an important part of breast health for many women in their late 60s and early 70s. Whether mammograms should continue later in life is a personal decision that should be made with your doctor based on your health and individual risk factors.
Annual low-dose CT screening may be recommended for adults between 50 and 80 who have a significant smoking history and currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years. The scan is quick and painless and can detect small changes in the lungs before symptoms develop.
Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images inside the body. It may be used to examine the abdomen, blood vessels, thyroid, breasts, or other areas when a doctor wants a closer look. Because it does not use radiation, it can be a helpful option in many situations.
MRI provides detailed images of organs, soft tissues, joints, and other structures. It may be recommended to investigate symptoms, monitor an existing condition, or provide more information after another imaging exam.
These exams serve different purposes, and not everyone needs each one. Understanding what imaging can tell you can make it easier to have an informed conversation with your doctor about which tests may be right for you.
If your doctor has not brought up a particular screening, it is still okay to ask. Appointments can move quickly, and screening needs may change as you get older or as new information is added to your medical history.
Feeling well should never be a reason to worry, but it also should not be the only measure of your health. By staying current with the screenings your doctor recommends, you can continue caring for your health with greater confidence.
To learn more or schedule an appointment with New York Imaging Specialists, call (833) 269-4624.