Certain health problems can be spotted with a simple check-up. You must definitely consider the following tests regularly in order to avoid potential health problems in the future:

1) Smear test (pap smear)- helps in early detection of abnormalities in the cells of cervix. These abnormalities if not treated can lead to development of cancer. This screening procedure helps in cutting the incidence of cancer cervix by about 90%. It helps in detecting the abnormal cells. These abnormal cells are treated before they turn cancerous. It is a test which should be done in all sexually active women from the age of 20 years to 64 years after every 3- 5 years. You doctor will tell you about this. It is the duty of all sexually active women to get this test done regularly. They must definitely consult their doctor if they are above the age of 20 and sexually active and have never got this test done before.

2) Mammogram- Mammography is a procedure which is done to screen women for breast cancer. Mammography is a type of a low-dose X-ray of the breast tissue. Mammography can not only detect breast cancer, but it can also show other breast problems that are not cancers like benign cysts and lumps. Mammography can often reveal lumps before they can be felt and it can also show small deposits of calcium in the breast, which may be a sign of early cancer. Mammography is used routinely for screening in certain groups of women. According to the breast screening program in the UK all women in the age group 50-70 years are invited regularly for a mammogram every three years. Getting an abnormality on a mammogram does not imply that one has a cancer. Further tests are done if an abnormality is reported on a mammogram. Biopsy of the area of abnormality is usually done to confirm if the cells are cancerous or non -cancerous. Even if you are having regular mammograms, you must do breast self- examination on regular basis.
3) Prostate specific antigens (PSA) - Men above the age of 40 or those with a family history of prostate cancer must consider this test. Consult your doctor regarding this test. About three-quarters of men with prostate cancer have a raised level of PSA in their blood stream. A simple blood test is done to measure the levels of PSA in the blood.
4) Regular Blood pressure check-ups - High blood pressure can act as important risk factor for development of stroke, heart-attack and kidney failure. Hypertension can be very silent with no presenting symptoms. Thus getting regular blood pressure check-ups in men after the age of 50 and in women after attaining menopause is specially beneficial.

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