Common Health Tests
- Importance of Health Screening
- What Is a Screening Test?
- Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Measurements
- Cancer Screening
- Breast Cancer
- Cervical Cancer
- Cancer of the Colon and Rectum
- Prostate and Testicular Cancers
- Skin Cancer
- Synonyms and Keywords
- References
- Authors and Editors
Importance of Health Screening
Common health tests may be performed in your doctor’s office or even in the pharmacy. Regular health checks and screening for certain diseases and conditions have become routine for most people.
New tests and investigations can and always are being developed. The indications (when you might have need) for some tests (mammography, for example) are still being determined. If you have any questions about exactly which tests are right for you, please discuss these concerns with your own doctor.
Screening tests for some of the less common conditions are not included here. Screening is an area where there are likely to be many advances over the coming years, with the identification of the genetic cause for more and more conditions. However, it is important to be aware that just because doctors can identify someone at increased risk for a condition, it may not necessarily be preventable. It may simply mean that you will need to work with your doctor to closely monitor your health to ensure that the condition is detected as early as possible.
Next: What Is a Screening Test? »
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Common Health Tests
Cholesterol and Children Introduction
High cholesterol is a risk factor for coronary heart disease in adults, but some children may be at risk for premature coronary heart disease if they have high cholesterol levels earlier in life. Most parents don’t know their children’s risks, and health care providers often don’t test children’s cholesterol levels.
According to the American Heart Association, there is sound research that the process of cholesterol buildup in arteries begins in childhood. Childhood may be the time to intervene with lifestyle changes that include sound diet and plenty of exercise, especially for children determined to be at high risk.
What Is Cholesterol?
The body produces cholesterol in the liver and makes what it needs. Additional cholesterol is added from foods, such as egg yolks, dairy products that are not fat free (such as ice cream), and red meat.
A cer...
Read What Your Physician is Reading on eMedicine
Preoperative Testing »
Medical consultants are generally asked to assess preoperative risk in most patients who are to undergo surgery.

