skip-to-content-text

Annual Screenings: Why They’re Important

Annual Screenings: Why They’re Important | UPMC Italy

Monitoring your health means not just visiting the doctor, when necessary, but regularly undergoing check-ups and screenings even in the absence of symptoms. Prevention is key to reducing the risk of chronic or acute diseases and identifying them early, thereby increasing the chances of effective treatment.

What annual screenings should you schedule?

The preventive exams to include in your routine vary depending on factors such as age, gender, personal and family medical history. Here's an overview of the main ones.

Breast Cancer Screening

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among Italian women. In 2022, it caused about 15,500 deaths, and in 2023, 55,900 new diagnoses were estimated (Source: I numeri del cancro in Italia 2023, AIOM-AIRTUM). These statistics highlight the importance of prevention through screening programs:

  • Starting at 20 years old: every woman should begin with an annual clinical breast exam and practice monthly self-examination.
  • From 40 years old: women with moderate risk should consider annual mammograms, continuing until an age agreed upon with their doctor.
  • From 45 years old: mammography is recommended for all women as part of the screening process.

These guidelines are general and should be tailored to personal needs in collaboration with your specialist to create a customized prevention plan.

Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colorectal cancer, caused by uncontrolled growth of the cells lining the last part of the intestine, is the third most common cancer among men and the second among women in Italy. In 2023, about 50,500 new cases were registered, an increase compared to the previous year (Source: I numeri del cancro in Italia 2023, AIOM-AIRTUM).
While most cancers are diagnosed after 65, there has been a rise in cases among those 50 years old or younger in recent years. This trend underscores the importance of early screenings:

  • Starting at 45 years old, it is recommended to begin a screening program to diagnose cancer at an early stage when the chances of effective treatment are higher.

Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for early diagnosis. This procedure not only detects cancer but also identifies and removes polyps (adenomas), benign growths that in some cases may be precancerous.

Adopting a preventive approach and regularly undergoing screenings can make a difference in the fight against this disease, improving health prospects and quality of life.

Other Recommended Screenings

Every ten years for all adults:

  • Tetanus vaccine.

Over 18 (annually):

  • Full physical exam.
  • Blood pressure check.
  • Pulmonary screening for smokers.
  • Flu vaccine.

Over 18 (at least once):

  • HIV screening.
  • Hepatitis C screening.

Over 21:

  • Cervical cancer screening (annually for women).

Over 45:

  • Mammography (annually for women).

Over 50:

  • Herpes zoster vaccine (one-time).
  • Colonoscopy (every 10 years, or every 5 years starting at 45 for those with a family history of colorectal cancer).

Over 55:

  • Prostate cancer screening (men).
  • Lung cancer screening for smokers and former smokers.

Over 65:

  • Pneumonia vaccine.
  • Osteoporosis screening (annually for women).
  • Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening (for male smokers and former smokers).

If you want to book a personalized check-up, discover more about UPMC Salvator Mundi International Hospital’s customizable screening programs.