Sponsored by Dr. Gunjan Raina

Annual physicals are about far more than simply “getting blood work.” They are an opportunity to focus on prevention: catching health concerns early, reviewing medications, updating vaccines, discussing family history and making sure patients stay current on recommended screenings for cancer, heart health and other chronic conditions.

Dr. Gunjan Raina says routine lab work is tailored to each patient’s age, medical history and risk factors. Depending on the individual, that may include cholesterol and blood sugar testing, kidney and liver function panels, thyroid testing, vitamin levels or other specialized labs. Screening recommendations can also vary based on family history, weight, menopause, medications and chronic disease.

Although preventive care is never one-size-fits-all, Dr. Raina says there are several key screenings men and women should be discussing at different stages of life.

Women’s preventive screenings

Pap smear/cervical cancer screening
Women ages 21–29 should have a Pap smear every 3 years. Women ages 30–65 may choose a Pap every three years, high-risk HPV testing every five years, or co-testing every five years.

Mammogram
Women ages 40–74 should have screening mammograms every two years, although some may benefit from annual screenings depending on family history, breast density or provider recommendation due to other risk factors.

Bone density scan
Women 50 and older should receive a DEXA bone density scan. Postmenopausal women younger than 50 should be screened earlier if they have additional risk factors such as low body weight, smoking, steroid use, prior fracture or family history.

Men’s preventive screenings

PSA/prostate cancer screening
Men ages 55–69 should discuss the risks and benefits of PSA screening with their doctor. Men with strong family history or higher-risk backgrounds may need earlier conversations.

Screenings for both men and women

Colon cancer screening
Adults should begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45 and continue through age 75. Options include colonoscopy, stool-based tests or other approved screening methods. From ages 76–85, screening is individualized based on health and prior screening history.

Skin cancer screening
Patients with a personal or family history of skin cancer, tanning bed use, significant sun exposure, or changing moles should have regular skin checks. Any mole that changes, bleeds, itches or grows should be evaluated.

Heart health
Blood pressure and cholesterol should be checked regularly, and adults with cardiovascular risk factors may need additional preventative discussion with their provider.

Bottom line

Preventive care is not one-size-fits-all. Annual checkups give patients the opportunity to ask important questions, stay current on recommended screenings and better understand their individual health risks.

Dr. Raina encourages patients to use their yearly visit to review whether they are up to date on blood work, vaccines, cancer screenings, bone density testing, skin checks and other preventive care measures appropriate for their age and medical history.

“The goal of primary care is not just to treat disease,” she says. “It’s to identify risk early and help patients stay healthy longer.”