How Scheduling Your Annual Checkup Is Prevention

When most people think about cancer prevention, they think about one test or one awareness campaign. In reality, cancer prevention is a plan built over time and based on your personal risk factors and kept on track with the right screenings.

That’s exactly what a comprehensive annual physical is designed to do.

During National Cancer Prevention Month, it’s a good moment to reset. Update your prevention checklist, catch up on recommended screenings, and make sure you’re not missing the quiet risk factors that add up over the years.

What an annual physical can do for cancer prevention

An annual physical isn’t just “checking boxes.” It’s a structured preventive visit where your primary care provider helps you:

• Review your personal and family history (the details that change screening timing)
• Confirm which screenings you’re due for based on age, sex, and risk factors
• Identify risk factors you can act on (tobacco exposure, weight, alcohol use, UV exposure, certain infections)
• Coordinate referrals and follow-ups when specialized testing is needed
• Create a realistic prevention plan you can actually stick with

Primary care is often the best place to start because it connects the dots. And when a screening, imaging test, or specialist visit is appropriate, Southeast Medical Group can help coordinate next steps through a broad referral network.

The most common cancer screening conversations in primary care

Screening is personal. Your provider will tailor recommendations to your health history, but here are a few big categories that often come up in this age range:

Colorectal cancer screening

For adults at average risk, expert guidelines recommend screening starting at age 45 through 75. There are multiple screening options, and your provider can help select the one that's right for you.

Breast cancer screening (for women)

Guidelines recommend mammography every other year starting at age 40 through 74 for many women at average risk. Your provider can help factor in personal risk and family history.

Lung cancer screening (for people with a significant smoking history)

For adults ages 50-80 with a 20 pack-year smoking history who currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years, guidelines recommend annual low-dose CT screening. Many of those eligible don’t realize they qualify, and your annual physical is a great time to review it.

Cervical cancer prevention and HPV-related risk

Cervical cancer prevention involves staying up to date on screening and discussing HPV risk. For some adults ages 27-45, HPV vaccination may be considered using shared decision-making based on individual benefit.

Important note: Screening recommendations vary based on your personal history, family history, symptoms, and prior test results. Your provider will guide what’s right for you.

Managing risk factors

Your annual physical is also where you can address the risk factors that meaningfully influence cancer risk over time:

• Tobacco exposure: quitting is one of the most impactful steps you can take
• Alcohol use: even small reductions can matter for long-term risk
• Weight and activity: your provider can help set realistic goals
• Sun/UV exposure: prevention + early evaluation of concerning skin changes
• Vaccinations and infection-related risks: where relevant (like HPV)

How to get the most out of your annual physical

If you do these three things before your visit, you’ll get better answers and a clearer plan:

1. Write down your family history (especially cancers in parents, siblings, grandparents, and ages at diagnosis)
2. Bring your screening history if you know it (last colon screening, mammogram, Pap/HPV test, etc.)
3. List your top 3 questions (for example: “Which screenings am I due for?” “Do I qualify for lung screening?” “What should I change first this year?”)

Your next step

If you’re 35 or older and haven’t had a comprehensive preventive visit in the last year, National Cancer Prevention Month is a great time to schedule it.

Book your annual physical with a Southeast Medical Group primary care provider to review your screening timeline, assess your risk factors, and create a prevention plan you can feel good about.

Frequently Asked Questions About Annual Physicals & Cancer Prevention