By Lynnell Nixon-Knight, IUMG

This is the second in a series of articles designed to provide useful screening tips for promoting maximum health in each decade of life.

As people reach their 50s, changes in the body make it prudent to take preventive measures against preventable hazards of aging. In addition to the annual general medical exam and cholesterol check, the number-one health recommendation in this decade of life is to schedule a colonoscopy.

“At age 50, both genders should undergo a baseline colonoscopy with the intent of screening for colon cancer,” says Paula Puntenney, R.N., M.A., coordinator for the preventive medicine team at the IU Medical Group, Division of Pulmonary Medicine. “Then, depending on the findings, the recommendations for a repeat scope would fall anywhere between three and ten years.” Although the colonoscopy is not the most cost-efficient of the screening tools for colon cancer, it is considered the gold standard. Other less-expensive screening tools include testing for occult blood (hemoccult) and sigmoidoscopy (a scoping of the sigmoid, or large intestine).

“Even though colonoscopy is costly and frequently not covered by insurance in asymptomatic individuals, IUMG executive care recommends it at age 50,” says Puntenney. “For those who do have a polyp found early and prevented from turning into cancer, the cost becomes secondary to saving a life.Æ Colon cancer is “silent” in its early stages, not usually producing noticeable symptoms. By the time a patient is tested because of symptoms, the prognosis is likely to be poor.

For women entering their 50s, issues that accompany estrogen loss may become problematic. Women should discuss with their physicians the pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy as it relates to individual symptoms and health history. All women, however, should get a baseline bone density reading and have their lipid levels tested. “This is important because of the drop in estrogen and its protective effects on bone health, as well as cholesterol,” says Puntenney. “With this loss of protection, the risk increases for both osteoporosis and hyperlipidemia, or high cholesterol.”

Women should also discuss aspirin therapy, continue breast self-exams each month, schedule a mammogram and have a pelvic exam/pap test each year. Men should continue with physician-directed aspirin therapy begun in their 40s, do regular testicular self-exams each month and schedule a baseline prostate digital exam each year starting at age 50.