Most people wait until something feels wrong before seeing a doctor. The problem? Many of the deadliest health conditions have no symptoms until they’ve already caused serious damage. That’s where preventive screenings come in.

Early detection through regular health screenings can be the difference between life and death. These simple tests catch problems when they’re still treatable, often before you even know anything is wrong. Here are five important preventive health screenings that could save your life.

1. Blood Pressure Screening

High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” for good reason. You can have dangerously high blood pressure for years without feeling a single symptom. Meanwhile, it’s quietly damaging your heart, blood vessels, and organs.

Here are some key facts about blood pressure:

• In 2023, high blood pressure was a primary or contributing cause of 664,470 deaths in the US.
• Nearly half of adults have high blood pressure.
• Only about 1 in 4 adults with high blood pressure has it under control.
• Who should get tested? All adults 18 and older should have regular blood pressure checks, with annual screening recommended for adults 40 and older.

Fortunately, high blood pressure is incredibly treatable once detected. Lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise can make a huge difference. If needed, medications can effectively control blood pressure and dramatically reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. This simple screening takes just minutes and is available at most pharmacies, making it one of the easiest forms of preventive care you can access.

2. High Cholesterol Screening

Like high blood pressure, high cholesterol works silently. It builds up in your arteries over time, creating blockages that can lead to heart attacks and strokes. You won’t feel it happening until something catastrophic occurs.

Here’s what you should know about cholesterol screening:

• Though it’s not usually a direct cause of death, high cholesterol is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death in the US.
• About 11% of adults in the US have high cholesterol.
• A simple blood test (lipid panel) measures your cholesterol levels.
• Who should get tested? Screening typically starts between ages 20 and 40, with adults screened every four to six years at a minimum.

Cholesterol screening is essential proactive health care. When caught early, high cholesterol responds well to treatment. Changes in diet, increased physical activity, and medications can bring cholesterol levels down to healthy ranges. Combined with blood pressure monitoring, protecting your heart becomes much more manageable.

3. Lung Cancer Screening

Lung cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the lungs, forming tumors that can interfere with breathing and oxygen exchange. It often begins in the cells lining the airways and can spread to other parts of the body if not detected and treated early.

Here are some important details about lung cancer:

• Lung cancer kills more people than any other cancer.
• In 2025, it’s estimated that there were 226,650 new lung cancer cases and 125,000 deaths in the US.
• The 5-year survival rate after a diagnosis is 28.1%, but for those who catch it early while it’s still localized, the 5-year survival rate rises to 64.7%.
• Low-dose CT scans can detect lung cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages.
• Quitting smoking remains the best prevention strategy.
• Who should get tested? Adults aged 50 to 80 who currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years with a history of heavy smoking.

Lung cancer screening isn’t for everyone. It’s specifically recommended for people at high risk due to their smoking history. If you qualify, this medical screening can catch cancer when it’s still small and hasn’t spread. Talk to your doctor about whether you meet the criteria for screening.

4. Diabetes Screening

Nearly 100,000 people die from diabetes each year. Even more concerning, diabetes also contributes significantly to heart disease and stroke deaths. Many people have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes without knowing it.

Here’s what makes diabetes screening critical:

• More than 38 million Americans have diabetes, and many are undiagnosed.
• A simple A1C blood test measures your average blood sugar over three months.
• Understanding your blood sugar levels helps you take control of your health.
• Who should get tested? Adults aged 35 to 70 who are overweight or obese should be screened regularly, though earlier and more frequent screening may be needed for those with additional risk factors.

Catching diabetes or prediabetes early changes everything. With prediabetes, lifestyle modifications can prevent or delay the development of type 2 diabetes. Even if you’re diagnosed with diabetes, proper diabetes education and management can prevent serious complications such as kidney disease, vision loss, and cardiovascular problems. This preventive medicine approach helps you stay healthier longer.

5. Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the colon or rectum, often developing from abnormal growths called polyps in the lining of the digestive tract. Over time, some polyps can become cancerous and may spread to other parts of the body if not detected and treated early.

Here’s some essential information about colorectal cancer screening:

• It’s the second deadliest cancer, responsible for approximately 53,000 deaths annually.
• If it’s detected at a localized stage, the 5-year survival rate is about 91%.
• Several screening options are available, including having a colonoscopy every ten years.
• Who should get tested? All adults starting at age 45, with earlier screening needed for those with a family history of colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer screening is unique because it can actually prevent cancer from developing in the first place. During a colonoscopy, doctors can remove polyps before they turn cancerous. This makes it one of the most powerful preventive health screenings available. Don’t let embarrassment or fear keep you from this life-saving test.

Additional Screenings and Individual Risk Factors

These five screenings are among the most impactful for the general population, targeting conditions responsible for many of the leading causes of death in the US. That said, individual screening needs can vary based on factors such as age, sex, family history, and personal health, so it’s important to discuss what’s right for you with your health care provider. Women may also need breast and cervical cancer screenings, while men may want to talk about prostate cancer screening as part of a personalized plan.

The key takeaway is simple: don’t wait until you feel sick to see a doctor. By staying proactive, scheduling recommended screenings, and understanding your health numbers, you can take meaningful control of your long-term health.

About Mountain Laurel Medical Center

Mountain Laurel Medical Center is a federally qualified community health center dedicated to providing the highest quality primary health care to our community, regardless of ability to pay. Operating in multiple offices across Maryland and West Virginia, we offer a full spectrum of services, including primary care, behavioral health and psychiatry, chronic disease support, diagnostic imaging, lab work, in‑house pharmacy, registered dietitian counseling, insurance enrollment assistance, and even a mobile community wellness van to reach rural populations.

We offer a sliding fee scale and 24/7 after-hours phone access, consistently earning high-quality recognitions, such as Health Resources and Services Administration badges and Patient‑Centered Medical Home designations.

Looking for personalized guidance? Contact us to learn how we can support your family’s health goals with affordable, high-quality care.