As a family doctor, I want to talk to you about something that could make a real difference in your life – your periodic medical examination. Depending on your age and risk factors, it may be worthwhile to go see your family doctor regularly after 40 to be evaluated for health problems such as diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, and so on. Regular checkups are one of the most powerful tools we have as medical professionals for protecting your health and catching potential problems early. Hereâs an overview of what you should know about regular health check-ups.
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Catching Problems Early
Think of your periodic medical examination as your body’s early warning system. When warranted, checkups help us spot health issues before they become major problems, often before you even notice any symptoms. When we catch health issues early, we have a much better chance of treating them successfully.
Periodic health checkups are useful in identifying a range of conditions in their early stages. Here are some examples of what we look for:
- Diabetes or prediabetes: Routine blood tests can reveal high blood sugar levels before symptoms appear.
- High cholesterol: Screening can identify elevated LDL (bad) cholesterol, a risk factor for heart disease.
- Hypertension: Often called the “silent killer,” high blood pressure can be easily identified during a periodic health checkup.
- Various cancers: Regular screenings can detect early signs of cancer such as breast, colon, prostate, cervical, and others.
When we find these issues early, we can work together to prevent them from becoming serious problems and develop an effective management plan that works for you.
But that’s just an overview. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of a regular health checkup.
First Appointment and Basic Health Examination
During your visit for a routine health check-up, your doctor performs a targeted physical examination to assess your general health, in addition to taking your blood pressure. Your physician also takes the opportunity to discuss your family health history with you in order to identify any risk factors. This information is extremely valuable and may play a role in determining whether certain follow-up tests are required.
For example, if one of your parents was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at or after age 60, and you’re over 40 and haven’t had a screening test in the past 2 years, your doctor will talk to you about the possibility of a preventive screening examination.
Your health check-up appointment is also an excellent opportunity to discuss any changes you’ve noticed in your body or specific health concerns you may have. As your doctor, I strongly encourage you to ask questions about any physical changes or symptoms you are experiencing or have experienced.Â
Your mental health is also very important to us. Do not hesitate to discuss any concerns you may have about it. Being open and honest during your physical exam helps us provide better care and more accurate health recommendations.
Staying on Top of Health Screenings
As discussed previously, a periodic medical examination with your family doctor is an effective way of staying on top of your health and can help prevent certain illnesses. It ensures you’re up to date with your screenings and that any conditions likely to affect your health are taken care of right from the start.
The types of screening tests performed generally vary according to age, sex, risk factors, and lifestyle. Your doctor will recommend the appropriate tests based on these factors.
Let’s review the most common health screening tests for people over 40 and when you might need them. This information is based on the latest clinical prevention fact sheet published by the CollĂšge des mĂ©decins du QuĂ©bec.
Metabolism-Related Condition Screenings
Type 2 Diabetes Screening
If you have high-risk factors, it’s important to monitor your blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that often develops progressively without apparent symptoms. Regular screening enables early detection of the disease and prompt action to avoid serious complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, and eyesight problems.
The recommended frequency of screening for type 2 diabetes is as follows:
- Every 3 to 5 years for high-risk individuals
- Every year for individuals at very high risk
A healthy diet and regular physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight and potentially reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.Â
High Blood Pressure Screening
Blood pressure is the pressure exerted by the heart’s contraction onto the artery walls as it circulates blood throughout the body. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is essential, as hypertension (abnormally elevated blood pressure) typically presents no symptoms. If left unchecked, hypertension can lead to serious, even fatal, complications – hence its nickname of the silent killer.
If abnormal blood pressure values are detected during your periodic medical examination, your family doctor may suggest:
- Regular blood pressure measurements at home
- Blood and urine tests
- An ECG (electrocardiogram)
- Additional follow-up appointments
Prevention and management can be achieved through a number of lifestyle modifications, such as maintaining a healthy weight, adopting a balanced diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and not smoking.
Screening for Dyslipidemia (Cholesterol and Triglycerides)
Dyslipidemia is a condition in which the level of lipids (fats) in the blood is either too high or too low. These lipids fall into three categories: LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol), and triglycerides.
The most common forms of dyslipidemia are as follows:
- High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol
- Low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol
- High triglyceride levels
- High levels of LDL and triglycerides – commonly known as hypercholesterolemia.
This condition can lead to a variety of cardiovascular diseases, some of which can be serious or even fatal. The risk becomes particularly worrying when combined with other factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, overweight, a sedentary lifestyle, advanced age or a family history of early heart disease.
For adults aged 40 to 75 with no known specific pathology, your doctor will usually recommend a lipid panel to check your cholesterol levels.
Fortunately, excess blood lipids can be prevented and controlled by lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (Aaa) Screening
Abdominal aortic aneurysm is a condition that occurs when a section of the aorta – the main blood vessel carrying blood from the heart to the abdomen – enlarges or bulges. If not detected early, this bulge can enlarge over time and eventually rupture, leading to life-threatening complications.
If you’re a man between the ages of 65 and 80, your family doctor will recommend screening, which includes a quick, painless ultrasound of your abdomen. Women are generally less at risk of developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm, so routine screening is not usually part of their preventive care program.
However, as each person’s situation is unique, your healthcare practitioner will assess your individual risk factors and family history to determine whether screening is beneficial for you. He or she will explain the advantages and disadvantages of such screening to help you make an informed decision.
Cancer Screenings
According to a 2023 report by the Canadian Cancer Society, Statistics Canada, and the Public Health Agency of Canada, two out of five Canadians will develop cancer in their lifetime. Lung, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers alone account for 46% of all cancers diagnosed in Canada. These findings further underscore the importance of regular screening.
Letâs review the most common health screenings and when you might need them.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Cancer of the colon and rectum is a serious health concern, ranking as the second leading cause of cancer death in men and the third in women. What makes this cancer particularly challenging is that it develops slowly and often without any noticeable symptoms, typically starting from growths called polyps.
There are two main screening methods available: the immunochemical fecal occult blood test (iFOBT) and the colonoscopy.
If you’re between 50 and 74 years old, your doctor will discuss screening options with you, taking into account your personal and family history to determine your risk level. The decision to participate in screening is ultimately yours to make after discussing the benefits and risks with your family physician.
Breast Cancer Screening
As the most frequently diagnosed cancer in Canada and the second leading cause of cancer death in women after lung cancer, breast cancer screening deserves special attention.
As per the Government of Canada,
1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
Breast screening using mammography is an effective tool for detecting breast cancer in its early stages, when treatment is most likely to be successful. After discussing your family history, and depending on your situation, your doctor may recommend a screening mammogram.
You should know, however, that the Quebec Breast Cancer Screening Program (PQDCS) offers mammograms every two years to women aged 50 to 74. This program is specifically designed for individuals who have no symptoms of breast disease and are not at increased risk due to factors such as family history of breast cancer, previous radiotherapy, or genetic mutations. Â
Cervical Cancer Screening
Cervical cancer is caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) transmitted mainly through sexual contact. Regular screening through the HPV test or Papanicolaou test (Pap test), performed during a gynecological examination, can detect cervical cancer and precancerous lesions at an early stage, leading to more successful treatment outcomes.
Your family doctor will recommend screening for cervical cancer if you are or have been active sexually in the past. As of 2022, Quebec has begun transitioning from the traditional Pap test to the HPV test. Where the HPV test is available, screening is offered to those aged 25 to 65 every 5 years. In regions where the HPV test isn’t yet available, the Pap test remains the standard, recommended every 2 to 3 years for those aged 21 to 65 who are or have been sexually active.Â
Prostate Cancer Screening
While prostate cancer is the third most common cancer in Canada, it’s important to note that most prostate cancers grow slowly, and only a small percentage prove fatal.Â
Screening involves a blood test that measures prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. However, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all recommendation. While the discussion about screening is particularly relevant for men between 55 and 69 years old, routine screening isn’t automatically recommended for everyone. Your doctor will help you weigh the benefits and potential drawbacks of PSA testing based on your individual risk factors and preferences.  Â
Lifestyle Related Screenings
Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections (STBBI) Screening
Immunization as Preventive Measures
As family doctors, we consider vaccinations another important component of preventive healthcare as they protect you from various diseases. Statistics show that many Canadian adults are not up-to-date with their vaccinations. During your periodic health checkup, weâll review your vaccination history and recommend any updates you might need based on your age and risk factors.
Some of the most common vaccines for adults over 40 include:
- Influenza (flu) vaccine: Yearly for adults 75 and older and people with certain medical conditions that put them at higher risk for flu complications
- Shingles vaccine: Recommended for all adults 50 years and older – RAMQ coverage begins at age 75
- Pneumococcal vaccine: For adults 65 years and older and people with certain medical conditions that increase their risk
- Tetanus and diphtheria (Td) vaccine: One single dose for adults over 50
That’s all there is to it! Now you know all about the periodic medical examination, which is much more than just a routine visit. This examination is an opportunity for us to work together to keep you healthy for many years to come. By staying proactive about your health through regular screenings, vaccinations, and preventive care, you’re taking essential steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Remember, many serious health conditions are most treatable when caught early. Don’t wait until you feel unwell to schedule an appointment.
At Clinique MĂ©dicale SantĂ©+, a private medical clinic in Vaudreuil, we’re here to support you on your health journey. Our team of private family doctors can provide you with comprehensive periodic checkups and help you stay on track with all recommended screenings and vaccinations.
Contact us today to start taking charge of your health and schedule your periodic health checkup.
