Why Annual Health Screenings Matter And What You Should Know

When it comes to staying healthy, one of the most important and often overlooked habits is scheduling your yearly health screening. Just like a car needs a regular inspection to catch issues before they become serious, our bodies deserve the same kind of preventive care.

Annual Check-Ups: More Than Just a Routine

Many of us put off routine check-ups until something feels off, but that mindset can be risky. It can be scary to come in and find something out, but it’s better to take care of it now than to find out several years later when it’s a much worse problem. Regular screenings allow healthcare providers to catch and treat potential issues early so that the outcomes can often be much better.

Screenings That Make a Difference

Health screenings evolve over time based on research and data. Here's a sampling of some of the most common and important tests for adults today:

1. Mammograms

Early detection of breast cancer saves lives. Current guidelines recommend that women start regular mammogram screenings at age 40 and continue through age 74, depending on the patient’s health history. It’s best to talk with your doctor to determine if you should start earlier based on personal or family history.

2. Pap Smears and HPV Testing

Cervical cancer screening age recommendations have also changed in recent years. Although the previous recommendation was age 18, women should begin Pap smears at age 21, then repeat every three years until age 29. From age 30 to 64, testing is recommended every five years with the recommendation for co-testing with HPV screenings.

3. Lung Cancer Screening

These days, there’s growing awareness around the importance of lung cancer screenings for current and former smokers. If you’ve smoked a pack or more a day for 20+ years (even if you have quit in the last 15 years), and you’re 50 or older, you may qualify for a yearly low-dose CT scan. The low-dose CT scan takes images of your lungs to see any changes, nodules, and anything potentially problematic, including lung cancer. Catching signs of lung cancer early is critical, and this screening could make a life-saving difference.

4. Colon Cancer Screening

Colon cancer is highly preventable and treatable, if detected early. While colonoscopies are the gold standard, they may be intimidating. If the invasive nature of an actual colonoscopy is part of a patient’s hesitation to be screened, there are two other options:

• Cologuard: A test which checks for abnormal DNA in stool
• Fecal occult blood test (FOBT): A test that looks for any microscopic blood in the stool

If those less-invasive tests come back positive or abnormal, a colonoscopy is recommended right away. If you have a family history, you may need to begin screening earlier.

5. Prostate Cancer and PSA Tests

For men, prostate cancer screening remains a nuanced topic. The PSA blood test is available, but it's not a blanket recommendation for everyone. Although nothing negative can come from having the test done, for those looking to avoid unnecessary screenings, there are guidelines. Men are encouraged to discuss their personal risk factors and family history with their doctor and a urologist to decide if and when a PSA screening makes sense.

6. Bloodwork: Cholesterol, Lipid Panel, and Triglycerides

A simple blood test can reveal a lot about your overall health, particularly when it comes to heart disease risk. A lipid panel measures your total cholesterol, LDL (“bad” cholesterol), HDL (“good” cholesterol), and triglycerides. Elevated levels may not cause symptoms but can lead to serious complications like heart attacks and strokes if left unchecked. These screenings are typically recommended starting in your 20s and should be repeated every 4–6 years, or more often if you have risk factors like diabetes, obesity, or a family history of heart disease.

7. Skin Cancer Checks

Your skin is your largest organ, and it’s exposed to the sun daily—often more than you think. Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers, but it’s also highly treatable when caught early. A full-body skin exam by a dermatologist can detect suspicious moles or spots early on. If you have fair skin, a history of sunburns, frequent sun exposure, or a family history of skin cancer, annual skin checks are especially important.

The Bottom Line

The common denominator between all of these tests is that the earlier issues are detected, the more positive outcomes. Health screenings are about peace of mind just as much as they are about finding problems. They empower you to take control of your well-being, catch concerns early, and lead a longer, healthier life. Whether it's your annual physical, a cancer screening, or a simple conversation with your doctor, now is always the best time to check in.

Ready to schedule that check-up you’ve been putting off? Schedule with an Independence Health System Primary Care Physician by chatting with the chatbot on our website or by calling (833) 602-2273.

Dr. Lindsay Venditti is a Family Medicine Physician in the Butler Area. This blog is based off of an interview she did with KDKA Radio in July 2025. Listen to the interview here.