It's Almost the End of the Year—Are You Caught Up on Health Screenings?

This time of year gets busy fast—between back-to-school plans and upcoming holidays, it's easy to overlook your routine health checks. But August is actually the ideal time to check in on your health—especially when it comes to cancer screenings. 

"Routine cancer screenings are designed to catch disease early, when it's most treatable," says Sheetal Highbee, MD, medical oncologist at the Archbold Cancer Center in Thomasville, Georgia. "And many people don't realize that these screenings are often covered at no cost under most insurance plans."

That's right—most health insurance plans cover preventive screenings at 100%, meaning no copay or deductible. And if you've already met your deductible for the year, you may be able to complete other necessary follow-ups or tests with little or no out-of-pocket expense. 

So, if you've been putting it off, now's the time to get it done. 

The Cancer Screening Checklist: What You Need and When

Let's take a closer look at the most common cancer screenings and who should get them. 

Breast Cancer Screening

• Who: Women age 40 and older
• How Often: 1-2 years, depending on risk factors
• Test: Mammogram, Clinical Breast Exams, Breast Self-Checks

Mammograms: What You Need to Know

Mammograms are fast and effective, and they can often detect breast cancer before a women begins experiencing any symptoms. If you've been delaying yours, talk with your primary care provider or gynecologist about scheduling your mammogram before the end of the year, while it's likely covered at not cost. 

Why Clinical Breast Exams and Self-Checks Matter

Clinical breast exams and self-checks are also important tools in early breast cancer detection. A clinical breast exam is a physical examination performed by your healthcare provider, typically during and annual wellness visit, to check for lumps or other abnormalities. Between appointments, conducting breast self-checks will help you notice any unusual changes, such as lumps, swelling, or skin dimpling.

"Many breast cancers are first detected by women who notice something unusual," says Dr. Higbee. "Being familiar with what's normal for your breasts—and speaking up if you notice changes like lumps, dimpling, or nipple discharge—is an important part of early detection. While self-checks don't replace mammograms, they empower women to take an active role in their health. If something doesn't seem right, don't wait—talk to your provider."

Colon Cancer Screening

• Who: Adults age 45 and older
• How Often: Every 10 years with a colonoscopy (or sooner if other tests are used)
• Test Options: Colonoscopy, stool-based tests

Two Non-Invasive Ways to Screen for Colon Cancer at Home

For patients at average risk of colon cancer, two standard at-home screening options are also available—Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) and Cologuard. FIT is a simple test done once a year that checks for hidden blood in your stool, which is a possible sign of colon cancer or large polyps. Cologuard, on the other hand, combines a FIT with DNA testing to look for abnormal genetic markers and is typically done every three years. 

Both tests are non-invasive, require no special prep, and are usually covered by most insurance plans as preventive care. If either test comes back positive, a follow-up colonoscopy is needed. 

Colonoscopy: The Gold Standard in Colon Cancer Screening

A colonoscopy is the most thorough screening tool for detecting colon cancer and removing precancerous polyps before they turn into cancer. During the procedure, a doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine the entire colon. If polyps or suspicious tissue are found, they can often be removed on the spot. 

"Colon cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented with regular screenings," says Dr. Higbee. "Removing precancerous polyps during a colonoscopy can stop cancer before it starts."

While the prep and process may seem intimidating, colonoscopy is a powerful tool, and it's typically covered by insurance as a preventive screening. Ask your primary care provider if it's time for you to schedule a colonoscopy. 

Lung Cancer Screening

• Who: Adults age 50 to 80 with a 20-pack-year smoking history who currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years
• How Often: Annually
• Test: Low-dose CT scan

"Lung cancer is often found late because it doesn't show symptoms early on," says Dr. Higbee. "But screening gives us a fighting chance to catch it early—especially in high-risk patients."

Low-Dose CT Scans: A Safe, Fast Way to Screen for Lung Cancer

At Archbold, low-dose CT (LDCT) scans are performed using advanced imaging technology that captures detailed images of the lungs using much less radiation than a standard CT scan. The scan itself is quick—usually completed in less than 10 minutes—and is entirely non-invasive. No needles, contrast dyes, or special preparation are required. Patients simply lie on a table while the scanner takes images of the chest. 

"The low-dose CT lung cancer screening process is simple and comfortable for patients," says Dr. Higbee. "For those at high risk of lung cancer, LDCT offers a real opportunity to detect cancer early—before symptoms start."

Ask your primary care provider if you are eligible for this potentially life-saving screening, which is typically covered by insurance for qualifying patients. 

Prostate Cancer Screening 

• Who: Men age 50 and older, or 45 for those at higher risk (family history, African American men)
• How Often: Depends on risk and results
• Test: PSA blood test, digital rectal exam

Prostate Cancer Screening: PSA Blood Tests and Digital Rectal Exams

Prostate cancer screening typically includes a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test and sometimes a digital rectal exam (DRE). The PSA test measures the level of a protein made by the prostate, which can be elevated in men with prostate cancer of other prostate conditions. A DRE allows the provider to feel for abnormalities in the size or texture of the prostate. 

"While these tests aren't perfect, they're valuable tools, especially when used together and interpreted in the context of a man's overall health and risk factors," says Dr. Higbee. 

Prostate cancer screening usually begins around 50, or earlier (age 40 to 45) for men at higher risk, including African American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer. 

Why August Is the Perfect Time to Book an Appointment

Late summer is one of the best times to prioritize preventive care. Here are several food reasons to act now rather than waiting until the end of the year. 

• Insurance often covers preventive screenings at 100 percent.
• You may have met your deductible, which means follow-up tests or procedures could be low-cost or even fully covered.
• Appointment slots fill up quickly as the end of the year approaches—schedule now to avoid the rush. 
• With school back in session and routines settling in, it's a great time to prioritize your own health. 

Your Health Is Too Important to Postpone

Whether you're due for a mammogram, colonoscopy, or simply need to have that overdue annual check-up, now is the perfect time to prioritize your health. If you're unsure where to start, reach out to your primary care doctor. They'll help guide your screenings, discuss your risks, and coordinate any next steps with specialists. 

Schedule an appointment today with an Archbold Primary Care provider in your area.