What is a medical check-up, and who is it for?
A health check-up is a periodic, preventive medical examination intended for people who consider themselves to be in good health. Its purpose is to provide an overview of overall health and to identify any signs of latent or silent diseases, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, before they manifest through complications. The presence of risk factors—particularly those related to age, family history, occupational activities, or lifestyle—may also warrant targeted tests, such as an electrocardiogram, lung function testing, or medical imaging.
This assessment follows standardized and recognized principles but is also tailored to the individual: it is adapted to each patient’s personal situation, taking into account their medical history, habits, perception of health, and needs. This individualized approach enables proactive and optimal care before the first symptoms appear.
The assessment of risk factors is based in particular on:
- an analysis of blood biomarkers (cholesterol, glucose, inflammation)
- detection of cardiac and vascular issues (heart rate, blood pressure, blood circulation)
- weight control and screening for metabolic syndrome
- identification of risky behaviors, such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption
a discussion of other major determinants of health: physical activity, nutrition, stress management, and sleep
The health check-up is intended for:
- anyone wishing to know their health status who does not have symptoms suggestive of an acute problem
- people with one or more risk factors (family history of disease, smoking, being overweight, a sedentary lifestyle, etc.)
- athletes: specific health assessments allow for the evaluation of physical capacity, performance, and physical limits
Early detection: which diseases are covered?
The medical evaluation primarily focuses on screening for chronic non-communicable diseases and their risk factors. This includes the most common cancers, such as breast, prostate, or colon cancer. It may also include screening for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s, as well as screening for cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders (particularly type 2 diabetes), and conditions affecting the liver (fatty liver disease), kidneys, or lungs.
In the general population, and throughout life, preventive screenings can also be conducted to detect mental health or mood disorders (depression, anxiety, etc.).
Which screenings, for whom, and at what age?
Starting at age 50, the following screenings are recommended for both women and men:
- Colorectal cancer: detection is performed via a colonoscopy or a fecal occult blood test.
- Lung cancer: using a low-dose chest CT scan.
In addition, if a patient over the age of 40 has a high cardiovascular risk, the doctor may screen for dyslipidemia (high cholesterol or triglycerides). In this case, the doctor performs a complete lipid profile using a fasting blood test to assess the various cholesterol components linked to cardiovascular risk.
For women, regular preventive check-ups are recommended to detect:
- Cervical cancer, starting at age 18: the gynecologist performs a Pap smear, and the cells from the cervix are then analyzed in a laboratory (testing for human papillomavirus).
- Breast cancer, starting at age 40: via a mammogram, supplemented if necessary by an ultrasound or digital tomosynthesis (also called 3D mammography).
In pregnant women in particular, the doctor screens for possible iron-deficiency anemia (iron deficiency) through a blood test to measure ferritin and hemoglobin levels.
Starting at age 65, screening for osteoporosis is performed via a radiological examination to measure bone mineral density (BMD). It may be performed earlier depending on medical history.
In some cases, screening for Rh(D)5 incompatibility may be recommended: a blood test determines the “RhD type,” meaning whether the mother is Rh-positive or Rh-negative, as well as the possible presence of anti-Rh(D) antibodies.
For men over 50, prostate cancer screening is recommended. The medical evaluation is conducted on a case-by-case basis depending on the patient’s situation and needs.
To remember
The health check-up is a preventive tool that not only helps detect potential diseases before symptoms appear but also assesses risk factors for each individual situation. Conducted at different stages of life, it takes into account each patient’s medical history and lifestyle, and provides access to advice and proactive care to maintain optimal health for as long as possible.