The COVID-19 pandemic forced us to hit pause on so much more than birthday parties and haircuts. Health checkups were canceled. Prescriptions went unfilled. Cancer screenings were postponed.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. A 2021 American Society for Radiation Oncology survey found that 73% of radiation oncologists said they had patients miss cancer screenings during the pandemic.
Well visits are not only key for managing any health conditions you may have. They can also help prevent them from happening in the first place. So now is as good a time as any to catch up on the visits you may have missed. (If cost is holding you back from filling your prescriptions, see how much the Optum Perks discount card can save you today.)
Not sure where to start? The appointments and screenings that matter most for you will depend on factors such as your age, race, sex and health history. But here are 8 wellness appointments you should consider making now.
Checkup #1: Your physical (and/or annual wellness visit if you have Medicare)
A visit with your primary care doctor is a great way to check in on your health as a whole. And they can identify health issues early, before they become more severe. At a physical, your doctor might:
- Make sure you’re up to date on vaccinations such as the flu shot or the shingles vaccine. (Find out which vaccines you can get at your local pharmacy.)
- Discuss healthy habits. This could include managing stress, eating nutritious foods and movement.
- Check your blood pressure.
- Take blood work to assess your risk of chronic diseases that can fly under the radar. For example, your blood sugar might indicate you have pre-diabetes even though you have no symptoms.
- Treat general issues you’re having, such as a rash or cold.
- Refill or adjust your medication regimen.
If you haven’t seen your primary care doctor in a while, it’s a good idea to make an appointment — even if you feel like you’re in good health.
Checkup #2: Mammogram
Breast cancer is the second-most common cancer in American women, after skin cancer. And it’s the second deadliest after lung cancer, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Even though this is scary news, there’s hope. Breast cancer is very treatable — especially when it’s caught early.
This is why sticking to the mammogram schedule that you and your doctor set is so important. The ACS recommends that women between the ages of 40 and 44, and at average risk, have the option to start screening with a mammogram every year. Beginning at age 45, women should get mammograms every year until age 54, and every 2 years after that. If you’re at high risk for breast cancer, you should be screened earlier. Risk factors include having a mother, daughter or sister who had breast cancer.
Checkup #3: Cervical cancer screening
Cervical cancer used to be one of the top causes of cancer death for American women. But thanks to the increased use of the Pap test for screening, this is no longer the case. In fact, regular Pap screening has been shown to reduce the chance of developing cervical cancer, or dying from it, by at least 80%, according to the National Cancer Institute. That’s because when pre-cancerous cells are found early, doctors can treat the area to prevent cancer.
Another effective screening choice is called the HPV (human papillomavirus) test. This checks for the high-risk strains of HPV that can lead to cervical cancer. Some versions of the test — called primary HPV tests — have been approved by the FDA to be used alone for screening without the need for a Pap test.
For women with no history of cervical cancer or pre-cancer and who are between the ages of 25 and 65, the ACS recommends one of the following:
- A Pap test every 3 years
- A primary HPV test every 5 years
- An HPV test and a Pap test every 5 years
Talk to your doctor about which option is right for you. And you can learn more about cervical cancer and how to protect yourself here.
Checkup #4: Colorectal cancer screening
The lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is about 1 in 23 for men and 1 in 25 for women, according to the ACS. And it’s the second-most common cause of cancer death in America in men and women combined. The good news: Screening tests help spot pre-cancerous polyps before they become cancerous. They also find colorectal cancer earlier, when it’s easier to treat.
If you’re 45 or older and at average risk, and you’ve never been screened for colorectal cancer, now is the time, says the ACS. A colonoscopy remains the gold standard in screening tests. But there are other options too. Stool-based tests such as the FIT can be done from the comfort of your home. Discuss your options and your risk for colorectal cancer with your doctor.
Checkup #5: Dental exam and cleaning
Seeing your dentist and getting your teeth cleaned at least once a year isn’t just about having a nice smile. According to the American Dental Association, taking care of your teeth and gums helps prevent:
- Cavities
- Gum disease
- Tooth loss
- Infection
Regular dentist visits also help spot or prevent other health issues, such as mouth cancer, diabetes and other systemic diseases. Plus, you’ll score a free toothbrush.
