Annual health checkups are so important that many insurance providers offer free once-yearly wellness visits to policyholders. It’s essential for people to get annual physicals even if they feel healthy since these visits can reveal issues without symptoms. Annual wellness visits also give adults a chance to discuss their lifestyle with their doctors, which can highlight areas where changes might be needed to improve long-term health.

Annual health checkups provide an opportunity to learn about key screenings, especially those that can detect cancer. However, industry surveys indicate that many adults are neglecting this vital step. A 2024 survey from the Prevent Cancer Foundation (PCF) found that 39% of adults surveyed had not had a routine medical appointment in the past year. This is an alarming finding and could be more costly than adults realize, as the PCF reports that up to 50% of cancer cases and half of all cancer deaths are preventable. Screening for cancer, which often begins with discussions during annual wellness checkups, is a life-saving measure and the simplest way to catch the disease early, when it is most treatable. At this stage, symptoms may be absent or unnoticed.

Annual checkups also give patients a chance to talk about lifestyle changes that can lower their cancer risk. Some adults might not realize that their current lifestyle increases their chances of developing cancer. For example, the American Cancer Society mentions that a sedentary lifestyle, a diet lacking in proper nutrition, and excessive alcohol intake can all raise a person’s cancer risk. Annual wellness visits are a great opportunity for adults to discuss their lifestyle with their doctors, who may suggest some potentially life-saving adjustments that can significantly reduce their risk for cancer.