Is it possible to be unhealthy without feeling sick?
Many serious conditions can develop quietly, causing damage long before symptoms appear. Preventive health screenings are tests performed even when you feel well, helping identify problems early, when treatment options are broader and outcomes are better. Below are five essential screenings every adult should consider as part of routine healthcare.
1. Blood Pressure Screening
Often called the “silent killer,” elevated blood pressure can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, eyes, and blood vessels without causing noticeable symptoms for years. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in adults in the United States, making routine blood pressure checks essential.
Blood pressure should be checked at least once a year during a visit with a primary care provider. Home blood pressure monitors can also be useful for ongoing tracking. Readings consistently above 130/80 should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
2. Cholesterol Screening
Elevated cholesterol can also cause gradual damage without early warning signs. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends regular screening for men starting at age 35 and women starting at age 45. Adults younger than these ages may need earlier screening if they have risk factors such as a family history of heart disease or certain medical conditions.
Cholesterol screening is done through a blood test and is often most accurate when fasting, depending on the type of test ordered.
3. Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Because it often begins without symptoms, screening is recommended for average-risk adults starting at age 45.
Screening options include colonoscopy every 10 years, multi-target stool DNA testing every three years, or annual fecal immunochemical testing (FIT). These options vary in convenience, preparation, and frequency and should be discussed with a primary care provider. When detected early, five-year survival rates exceed 90%.
4. Blood Glucose Screening
Elevated blood glucose levels can develop silently and, if left unaddressed, may progress to insulin resistance, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes. Current guidelines recommend screening all adults beginning at age 35, regardless of symptoms. Earlier testing may be appropriate for individuals with excess body weight or other risk factors.
Screening can be performed using a hemoglobin A1c test, fasting plasma glucose, or an oral glucose tolerance test. Early detection allows for lifestyle changes and interventions that can delay or prevent diabetes and its complications.
5. Cervical Cancer Screening
Cervical cancer screening is performed using a Pap smear, a test in which cells from the cervix are collected and examined for abnormalities. Cervical cancer is most commonly caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), a vaccine-preventable infection.
Screening should begin at age 21 and continue at intervals determined by age, test results, and individual risk factors, in consultation with a healthcare provider. When detected early, cervical cancer has a survival rate greater than 90%.
Conclusion
Preventive screenings are a simple but powerful way to protect long-term health. Many of the most serious conditions adults face: heart disease, cancer, and diabetes — can begin silently, long before symptoms appear. Staying up to date with routine screenings allows problems to be identified early — when treatment is most effective and outcomes are best. A trusted primary care provider can help determine which screenings are appropriate based on age, risk factors, and personal health history. When it comes to prevention, a small step today can make a lifelong difference.
– Mitchel Vellinga, PA-C, is a healthcare provider at Health West Chubbuck. He earned his undergraduate degree from Utah State University and completed his physician assistant training at the University of Utah. Mitchel values building trust with his patients and taking the time to truly listen.
