Most of us think of eating right, working out, and keeping a decent work-life balance when we talk about living a long, healthy life. There are many vital things we should do to stay healthy, but one thing that many people forget is to get regular screenings. Screenings can save your life and give you extra years by finding health problems early.
Many people ignore these exams, which is surprising because they could save their lives. It’s easy to think you’re healthy because you feel well, but a lot of the time, the first indicators of serious health problems are silent. Let’s look at three important tests that you might not be getting and why they could really add years to your life.
1. Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is one of the top causes of cancer fatalities in both men and women. The good news is that it’s one of the cancers that can be avoided the most if it’s found early. The American Cancer Society says that regular screenings starting at age 45 can cut the chance of dying from colorectal cancer by as much as 68% (American Cancer Society, 2025).
Many people don’t want to get screened because they are afraid of what the results will show or because they don’t want to be uncomfortable. But modern screening methods like colonoscopies and stool-based testing are quite effective and don’t hurt much. Doctors can take out abnormal growths or precancerous polyps before they turn into cancer if they find them early.
When to Check:
- For people with an average risk: age 45
- If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or genetic predispositions, you should get screened more often.
2. Blood Pressure Screening
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is an illness that affects about half of all American adults, yet it typically goes unrecognized because it doesn’t have any symptoms. It can cause serious problems like heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and more if not treated. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), high blood pressure is one of the main causes of heart disease and kills around 1,000 people every day in the United States (CDC, 2024).
Blood pressure tests are quick, easy, and don’t hurt, which is a good thing. You can discover high blood pressure early and take steps to control it by testing it often. Changing your diet, getting more exercise, or taking prescribed medicine could be all it takes. The most important thing is to keep an eye on things and step in when necessary.
When to Screen:
- If you’re 40 or older, get tested every year
- Every two years for people under 40 who have normal blood pressure.
3. Cholesterol Screening
Cholesterol is a necessary fatty element in your blood, but having too much of it, especially LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, can make your arteries thicker and raise your risk of heart disease, stroke, and even death. The American Heart Association says that anyone 20 and older should have their cholesterol examined at least once every four to six years (American Heart Association, 2024).
A cholesterol test is a basic blood test that checks your total cholesterol as well as your LDL and HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels. If your readings are high, your doctor may suggest modifications to your diet, exercise, or both to help control your cholesterol and lower your risk of heart disease.
When to Check:
- For people who don’t have any recognized risk factors: age 20
- If you have risk factors like a family history of heart disease, smoking, or diabetes, you should get tested more often.
The Strength of Prevention
Screenings that look for problems before they happen are very helpful in the fight against chronic diseases. They help find problems early, when treatment works best, and they can even help you live longer. Every adult should make sure to get three important tests: screenings for colorectal cancer, blood pressure checks, and cholesterol tests.
If you’re not getting these tests because you’re scared, uncomfortable, or just feel OK, it’s time to change your mind. These tests are more than just something to cross off a list; they are investments in your long-term health and well-being. And even while they might be a pain right now, they could help you live longer in the long run.
References:
American Cancer Society. (2025). Colorectal Cancer: Early Detection and Prevention. Retrieved from www.cancer.org
American Heart Association. (2024). Cholesterol and Heart Health: What You Should Know. Retrieved from www.heart.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2024). High Blood Pressure and Heart Disease. Retrieved from www.cdc.gov
