When you feel well, scheduling a doctor’s appointment may not seem necessary. However, many common health conditions—including high blood pressure, diabetes and certain cancers—can develop without causing noticeable symptoms.
Preventive care helps identify potential concerns early, when they may be easier to manage or treat. It also gives you and your healthcare provider an opportunity to discuss your family history, lifestyle, medications, vaccinations and personal risk factors.
The screenings you need will depend on your age, sex, medical history and individual risks, but here are several important preventive screenings every adult should know about.
Blood Pressure Screening
High blood pressure often has no warning signs, yet it can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and other serious health problems.
Adults should have their blood pressure checked regularly. If an office reading is elevated, your provider may recommend additional readings at home or with an ambulatory monitor before making a diagnosis.
Cholesterol Screening
A cholesterol test measures fats in your blood, including LDL, often called “bad” cholesterol, and HDL, known as “good” cholesterol.
High cholesterol can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries and increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. How often you need testing will depend on your age, previous results, family history and other cardiovascular risk factors.
Diabetes and Prediabetes Screening
Type 2 diabetes may develop gradually, and many people have prediabetes without knowing it. A blood glucose or A1C test can help identify elevated blood sugar before complications occur.
Screening may be especially important if you are overweight, have a family history of diabetes, experienced gestational diabetes, have high blood pressure or have other risk factors.
Discovering prediabetes early provides an opportunity to make changes that may help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer screening can detect cancer early and may also identify precancerous polyps before they become cancerous.
For adults at average risk, routine screening generally begins at age 45. Several screening options are available, including at-home stool tests and procedures such as colonoscopy. Your provider can help you choose the appropriate test and screening schedule.
People with a family history of colorectal cancer, certain digestive conditions or previous polyps may need to begin screening earlier.
Breast Cancer Screening
Mammograms can detect breast cancer before a lump or other symptoms are noticeable. Current general recommendations support mammography beginning at age 40 for many women, although the best schedule may vary based on individual risk.
Tell your provider if you have a personal or family history of breast cancer, previous abnormal breast imaging, dense breast tissue or a known genetic risk. These factors may affect when screening should begin and whether additional imaging is appropriate.
Cervical Cancer Screening
Cervical cancer screening may include a Pap test, an HPV test or a combination of the two. These tests can identify abnormal cervical changes before they develop into cancer.
The recommended test and screening interval depend on your age, previous results and medical history. Patients who have had a hysterectomy should ask their provider whether continued cervical screening is needed because the answer depends on the type of surgery and the reason it was performed.
Lung Cancer Screening
Annual lung cancer screening with a low-dose CT scan may be recommended for certain adults between ages 50 and 80 who have a significant smoking history and currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years.
This screening is not recommended for every adult or for every former smoker. Your provider can review your smoking history and determine whether you meet the screening criteria.
If you currently smoke, your healthcare team can also provide support and resources to help you quit.
Osteoporosis Screening
Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and more likely to fracture. Because bone loss often occurs without symptoms, many people do not realize they have osteoporosis until a fracture happens.
Bone-density screening is generally recommended for women age 65 and older. It may also be recommended earlier for postmenopausal women with increased risk. Men and younger adults with certain medical conditions, medications or fracture risks should discuss screening with their provider.
Prostate Cancer Screening
Prostate cancer screening is not a one-size-fits-all decision. The potential benefits and risks of a prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, blood test should be discussed with your provider.
Your age, family history, overall health and personal preferences should all be considered. Men with a father, brother or son who has had prostate cancer may need to begin this conversation earlier.
Hepatitis C and HIV Screening
Hepatitis C can damage the liver over time, and a person may carry the virus for years without symptoms. At least one hepatitis C screening is recommended for most adults, with additional testing for people who have ongoing risk factors.
HIV screening is also part of routine preventive care for most adolescents and adults. Testing may be recommended more often based on personal risks, pregnancy or possible exposure.
These screenings are confidential and can allow treatment to begin early if an infection is detected.
Mental Health and Lifestyle Screenings
Preventive care includes more than physical tests. Your provider may ask about:
- Depression and anxiety
- Tobacco or nicotine use
- Alcohol use
- Nutrition and physical activity
- Sleep
- Fall risk
- Medication safety
- Personal safety and emotional well-being
These conversations are an important part of caring for your overall health. Honest answers help your healthcare team provide the right support and resources.
Are Your Vaccinations Up to Date?
Vaccines are also an essential part of preventive care. Adults may need vaccinations for influenza, COVID-19, tetanus, shingles, pneumonia, hepatitis or other illnesses depending on age, health conditions, occupation, travel and previous vaccination history.
Bring your vaccination record to your appointment if one is available. Your provider can help identify any vaccines or boosters you may be missing.
Your Screening Schedule Is Personal
Preventive screening recommendations are general guidelines—not a substitute for individualized medical advice. You may need testing earlier or more often based on:
- Your age and sex
- Personal and family medical history
- Current health conditions
- Medications
- Tobacco or alcohol use
- Previous abnormal test results
- Lifestyle and occupational risks
An annual wellness visit is a good time to review which screenings are due and create a preventive care plan that fits your needs.
Even when you feel healthy, preventive care matters. A simple appointment today could help identify a concern early and protect your health for years to come.
Is it time for your annual checkup? Contact our office to schedule an appointment and talk with one of our healthcare providers about the preventive screenings that are right for you.
This article is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional.