Why Annual Physical Exams Matter (Even If You Feel Healthy)
Yearly checkups help prevent disease and catch issues early
Yearly checkups help prevent disease and catch issues early
An annual physical exam is a simple but important way to take care of your health.
Even if you feel fine, a yearly checkup gives your doctor a clear picture of your overall health and well-being and can help catch potential problems early, before they cause symptoms.
“These routine checkups aim to ensure your good health and prevent any serious conditions,” says Alex Crane, MD, a family medicine physician at Scripps Clinic Del Mar.
Annual exams also help build an ongoing relationship with your primary care doctor.
“They help ensure that issues are addressed as early as possible, allow you to ask any health-related questions and give you a chance to establish a strong relationship with your primary care doctor,” Dr. Crane says.
Your visit is also a chance to review health goals, update recommended screenings and discuss lifestyle habits, medications, family health history and whether lab tests or screenings are right for you.
What happens during an annual physical exam?
An annual physical exam focuses on preventive care to help you stay healthy, reduce your risk for disease and identify potential issues early, when they are often easier to treat.
During the exam, your doctor will:
- Review your medical and family history
- Assess your current health and identify future health risks
- Discuss lifestyle habits, such as diet, exercise, sleep and stress
- Measure vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, temperature and oxygen level
- Measure your height and weight
Lab tests and screenings you may need
Your doctor may recommend blood tests or screenings based on your age, symptoms and health history. Not everyone needs the same tests each year. Testing is personalized to focus on what matters most for your health.
Dr. Crane recommends doing lab tests before your appointments if possible. This gives time to review and discuss the results. Common tests that may be recommended include:
- Cholesterol testing to assess heart disease risk
- Blood sugar or A1C testing to screen for diabetes or prediabetes
- Complete blood count (CBC) to evaluate overall health and detect conditions, such as anemia or infection
- Vitamin level checks, when indicated based on symptoms, dietary concerns or medical conditions
Routine screenings for women
Routine screenings are important for finding health problems early. This is especially true for cancers that may not show symptoms at first. Screening guidelines depend on age and personal risk factors.
Breast cancer
Breast cancer screening guidelines depend on personal risk.
Most organizations recommend starting mammograms at age 40 for women at average risk. Mammograms use low-dose X rays that can detect cancer before symptoms appear.
Women at increased or high risk, may need to start screening earlier than 40 and may require more frequent imaging or additional tests, such as breast MRI.
A clinical breast exam, performed by your provider, may also be part of your routine check-up, depending on your age and risk factors.
Cervical cancer
Cervical cancer screenings, including Pap smears and HPV tests, help monitor and reduce the risk of cervical cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends cervical cancer screening with an HPV test starting at age 25 through age 65.
If HPV testing alone is not available, a Pap test or HPV/Pap co-test are options. Screening schedules may differ for those with higher risk.
These screenings can detect precancerous changes early, when treatment is most effective. Results may also guide follow-up care, including more frequent screenings to monitor for any warning signs or abnormal cell changes.
Annual exams also provide an opportunity to discuss reproductive health, family planning and menopause, ensuring care is tailored to each stage of life.
Routine screenings for men
Early detection is equally important for men, especially concerning prostate and colon health.
Prostate cancer
Discuss prostate cancer screening with your doctor beginning at:
- Age 50 for men at average risk and a life expectancy of 10+ years
- Age 45, for men at high risk, including African Americans and those with a family history of prostate cancer
- At 40, for men at even higher risk, with multiple close relatives who had early-onset prostate cancer
Screening may include:
- PSA blood test
- Digital rectal exam
Colorectal cancer
For men and women:
- Begin screening at age 45 if you are at average risk
- Begin screening before age 45 if you are at increased or high risk
Options include colonoscopy, stool-based tests or DNA-based screening tests. Your doctor can help determine the best test based on your health and risk factors.
Don’t skip your annual physical
Skipping your yearly checkup might seem harmless, especially if you’re feeling healthy. However, it could mean missing early signs of health problems. These problems are easier to treat when found early.
“Skipping annual exams means missing out on essential blood tests, screenings, and health assessments that can catch problems early when they are easier to manage,” Dr. Crane says.