Questions to ask your doctor or nurse:

• Should I have a bone density test?
• What foods or medicines can help prevent osteoporosis?
• What types of exercises should I do to help prevent it?
• How can I avoid breaking my bones and prevent falls?

What about cancer?
The screening tests usually recommended for older adults are tests for breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer.

The screening test for breast cancer is the mammogram. A mammogram, which is an X-ray of your breasts, can usually detect cancer early before it spreads. You should ask your doctor or nurse how often you should have a mammogram.

The screening test for cervical cancer is the Pap test. This is a quick test done by gently scraping cells off the cervix, which are sent to the lab to examine for cancer cells.