Seen At 11: Screenings, Exams That Could Help You Live Longer

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – For many, health and fitness are words to live by as a growing number of people take control of their well being.

But there's more to staying healthy than just exercising and eating healthy. Doctors urge everyone to have potentially life-saving exams and screenings throughout life. Men and women need different tests, but the key is knowing at what age to get which test done.

One such test—a colonoscopy—saved Cynthia Trogisch's life. It found stage-three colon cancer.

"I'm a fairly healthy person, I mean, I'm active, and I have a lot of energy," she said.

She's cancer-free now and a good reminder that at 50 years old, women should get a colonoscopy.

"We are going to save lives," Trogisch said.

Meanwhile, there's no question mammograms reduce breast cancer deaths, CBS2's Kristine Johnson reported, but there's been a long-running debate over the best age to have one.

The American Cancer Society says women should have their first at 40 years old, and at 21, they should have their first pap smear to screen for cervical cancer.

"Under the age of 30, we're recommending a pap smear every three years. Over the age of 30, we are actually recommending a pap smear every five years," Dr. Natasha Withers said.

The biggest threat to both men and women is heart disease. In your 20s and 30s, cholesterol screening and blood pressure tests are a must.

"I want to be able to combat it," 26-year-old Zach Sussman said.

Sussman wants to avoid the coronary disease that runs in his family.

"I'm healthy, but I know 50 years down the road I may not be," he said.

Doctors recommend men his age also be screened for testicular cancer.

"We know there's a higher risk of testicular cancer in your 20s and 30s. You want to make certain that that gets examined," Dr. Steven Lamm said.

Experts say before the age of 50, there's value in taking a blood test called the PSA to determine risk for prostate cancer.

"It's certainly a reasonable idea to do it at least once in your 40s," Dr. Lamm said.

A healthy lifestyle and regular tests are a powerful combination for optimal health, but check with your doctors to make sure what screenings are right for you.

Experts say it's also important to have your hearing and eyesight checked.