Taking care of your health and that of your loved ones is essential. Here are the main examinations recommended at 16, 30, 40, 50 and 60, whether you are a man or a woman.
As a general rule, you only consult your doctor when you are sick. After all, what’s the point of making an appointment when you feel in great shape? Thus, during the year 2020, 2.5 million women had a screening mammogram, which corresponds to a national participation rate of 42.8%. These figures indicate a drop in the participation rate in the organized breast cancer screening program in France. Yet regular health checkups can prevent the onset of serious illnesses and keep you healthier for longer.
The calendar of the main health examinations
Hypertension , diabetes and cancers are better managed when diagnosed at an early stage. It is therefore advisable to have your health checked regularly, in order to prevent the appearance of any illnesses . Discover the list of the main assessments to be carried out by age group. If the vast majority of health prevention acts are reimbursed by health insurance, mutual insurance will allow you to limit your additional expenses.
If you are a man or a woman, from 16 years old
From the age of 16, it is possible to benefit every five years from a preventive health examination offered by the Health Insurance. As part of this examination, you will be asked to answer a medical questionnaire. The examinations that follow may vary depending on your age and the risk factors specific to your general state of health. A final interview with the doctor will allow you to take stock of your health, to benefit from advice and, if necessary, to plan additional examinations.
If you are a woman, from 20 years old
From the age of 20, it is advisable to make an appointment with a gynecologist once a year (this does not in any way prevent you from consulting a younger gynecologist, at the time of your first period or at the start of your sexual life, for example). ). The latter will ask you questions about your medical background and your sex life.
If you are a woman, from 25 years old
Screening for cancer of the cervix with the taking of a cell sample ( smear ) and palpation of the breasts will enhance your gynecological consultation. In addition to the examination carried out by your gynecologist, it is advisable to regularly inspect your breasts in order to detect possible lumps and other abnormalities. Perform a self-exam once a month, preferably a week after the start of your last period: this is when your breasts are least affected by your cycle and when abnormalities are most easily spotted by touch . Don’t hesitate to ask your gynecologist for advice on how to effectively perform a self-examination.
If you are a man or a woman, from 35 years old
From the age of 35, it is advisable to have a health check-up every three years. Your doctor will ask you questions to get an idea of your general state of health, will carry out a complete examination and refer you, if necessary, to a specialist. The risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease increases with age, which is why it is appropriate from this age to carry out regular blood and urine tests. Be sure to check the following values:
- cholesterol ; _
- blood sugar ;
- the search for proteins, glucose and nitrites in the urine;
- the search for white and red blood cells in the urine .
It is also advisable to have your moles checked at least once a year. Your dermatologist will carry out a rigorous examination of your skin from head to toe in order to detect the presence of a possible basal cell carcinoma or melanoma. We also advise you to carry out a regular self-examination of your skin.
If you are a woman, from 30 years old
From the age of 30, it is always recommended to consult your gynecologist once a year. The smear previously performed every 3 years will now be performed every 5 years. The screening technique is also evolving, moving from an analysis of cervical cells to a direct search for the presence of papillomavirus responsible for cervical cancer.
If you are a man, from 45 years old
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. The French Association of Urology pleads for screening via a PSA (prostatic specific antigen) assay from the age of 45 for people at risk and at 50 for others. A digital rectal examination can also be performed by a general practitioner or urologist. This is also an opportunity to examine the external sex organs and the lymph nodes in the groin.
If you are a man or a woman, from 50 years old
From the age of 50 until the age of 74, people at average risk can benefit from a free screening test for colorectal cancer every two years, as part of a national program. This test to be carried out at home is then sent to the laboratory to search for the presence of occult blood in the stool. Screening people at high risk and at very high risk is a matter of colonoscopy from the outset.
If you are a woman, from 50 years old
Between the ages of 50 and 74, you can benefit from a free breast cancer screening mammogram (x-ray examination of the breasts to identify abnormalities) every two years and by invitation.
If you are a man, from 65 years old
From the age of 65, if you are a man and you smoke or have smoked, it is advisable to perform a Doppler ultrasound of the abdominal aorta. This examination allows early detection of a possible abdominal aortic aneurysm. It can be performed from the age of 50 in the event of a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Signs that should alert you
Prevention is the most effective way to fight cancer. Even if the diseases we have just mentioned are manifested by very variable symptoms, certain signals should alert you:
- an unusual lump or swelling that is increasing in size;
- permanent problems such as difficulty swallowing, coughing or shortness of breath ;
- recurrent intestinal problems ( diarrhea or, on the contrary, the appearance of unusual constipation);
- blood in the stool or urine;
- bleeding of unexplained origin;
- rapid weight loss or gain , permanent lack of appetite ;
- exhaustion or extreme fatigue ;
- permanent or recurring pain of unexplained origin;
- unusual changes observed in your breasts;
- wounds or sores that do not heal;
- nocturnal hot flashes.
If you notice any of these symptoms or if you have the slightest doubt, do not hesitate to seek the advice of your doctor or a doctor on Healthlinerx if the latter is not available. He will be able to help you identify the origin of these disorders and will direct you if necessary towards additional examinations.