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“I have no complaints, why should I go to the doctor?” This is one of the most common statements we hear in our outpatient clinic. However, serious conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes and some types of cancer can progress silently for a long time without any symptoms. Annual health check-ups are a systematic approach designed to recognize these silent risks at an early stage, assess the current health status holistically and create a personalized protection plan. Many people living in Sultanbeyli and neighboring districts of Istanbul postpone health check-ups “because it is not an emergency”. In this article, we provide an evidence-based discussion on when, how and under what circumstances annual health check-ups should be performed.
What is an Annual Health Check?
Annual health check-up is a periodically repeated general health assessment process planned according to the age, gender, family history and lifestyle of the individual. This process is a preventive medicine practice that combines physical examination, selected blood tests, necessary imaging and a physician's consultation. The aim is not only to detect an existing disease, but also to identify future risk factors in advance and take preventive steps in a timely manner.
The pace of daily life, stress and dietary irregularities can delay the recognition of chronic diseases. Preventive medicine aims to minimize this delay. Preventive health guidelines published by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Turkish Ministry of Health emphasize that regular health assessments appropriate for age and risk group can positively affect the course of many chronic diseases.
Is It Really Necessary to See a Doctor Every Year?
This question is often debated both among the general public and in the medical literature. The answer is partly “it depends on the person”.”
In low-risk, young and healthy individuals, comprehensive screening may not be necessary every year. However, for individuals over a certain age, with chronic diseases or a family history, regular annual or biannual evaluation is the basis for recommendations. The Turkish Ministry of Health's national screening programs and primary health care guidelines clearly define which controls should be performed and how often, according to age, gender and risk group.
In conclusion, the phrase “annual health check-up” does not mean the same tests for everyone at the same time. It means an individually planned, evidence-based and regular health assessment.
Health Checks by Age: When, Which Tests?
Age is one of the most important factors determining the content of the health check-up. The following information is a general guide; your physician may determine a different screening schedule based on your personal risk factors.
20-39 Years: Beginning of Basic Controls
Although there is no significant risk of chronic diseases during this period, some screenings are important to lay the foundation for healthy habits:
- Blood pressure (blood pressure) measurement: at least every 2 years from the age of 18
- Fasting blood glucose and lipid profile: More frequent evaluation is recommended in those who are overweight or have a family history of early diabetes/heart disease
- Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference monitoring
- Dental health check-up: At least once a year
- Gynecological examination and HPV-DNA screening in women: Recommended periodic evaluations starting at age 25
40-49 Years: Period of Intensified Risk Assessment
Forty years of age is recognized as an important threshold for preventive health. During this period, cardiovascular risk assessment, metabolic disease screening and some cancer screenings are included in the planning:
- Comprehensive blood work: hemogram, biochemistry, lipid profile, fasting blood glucose/HbA1c
- Thyroid function tests: Especially in those with symptoms or in the risk group
- ECG (electrocardiography): In the presence of cardiovascular risk factors
- Ultrasonography of the whole abdomen
- Mammography in women By age 40 years, screening mammography should be considered (national standards recommend periodic screening between 40 and 69 years)
- Cardiovascular risk score calculation in men
From our Check-Up Unit: The most common sentence we hear from the 40-49 age group in our polyclinic is this: “I feel fine, do I need a check-up?” Hypertension, prediabetes and dyslipidemia (high cholesterol), which progress without any measurable symptoms, are extremely common in this age group. If recognized early, these conditions can be effectively managed with lifestyle changes alone. There is no need to wait for a complaint to be checked.
50-64 Years: The Period When Cancer Screenings Come into Effect
This is the age when national screening programs are most active:
- Colorectal (large bowel) cancer screening: Within the scope of the national program, fecal occult blood test is performed at regular intervals between the ages of 50-70; colonoscopy is planned according to risk status
- Breast cancer screening: National standard mammography in women aged 40-69 years
- Bone density measurement (DEXA): For osteoporosis risk assessment, especially in postmenopausal women
- Eye examination: For glaucoma (eye pressure) and cataracts, especially in individuals with diabetes or hypertension
- Diabetes screening: HbA1c assessment is recommended at this time, even in individuals not in the risk group
65 Years and Over: Multidimensional Assessment
Health check-ups during this period include not only the detection of disease but also the preservation of functionality and maintenance of quality of life. Fall risk assessment, cognitive function screening, review of immunization status and assessment of polypharmacy are among the priorities for this age group.
Which tests are performed during the annual health check-up?
The content of a health check varies from person to person, but a general assessment framework consists of the following components:
Basic Physical Examination and Vital Signs
- Blood pressure measurement
- Pulse assessment
- Weight, height and body mass index
- Waist and hip circumference measurement
- General system examination (heart, lungs, abdomen, lymphatic system)
Blood Tests
- Hemogram (complete blood count): Markers of anemia and infection
- Fasting blood glucose and HbA1c: Diabetes/prediabetes screening
- Lipid profile: LDL, HDL, total cholesterol, triglycerides
- Kidney function: Creatinine, BUN, eGFR
- Liver function: ALT, AST, GGT
- Thyroid functions: TSH (if indicated)
- Urinalysis
Imaging Methods
Sana Medical Center Radiology Unit, offers the imaging examinations needed during the check-up process under the same roof:
- Chest radiography
- Ultrasonography of the whole abdomen
- ECG (when necessary)
- Mammography (according to age and risk status in female patients)
Gender Specific Assessments
In female patients Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit gynecological examination, Pap smear and HPV-DNA testing are integral components of a health check-up. In men, the cardiovascular risk profile and age-related prostate assessment come to the fore.
How to prepare for the annual health check-up?
Preparation directly affects the accuracy of the examinations and the efficiency of the appointment day. The general steps can be listed as follows:
- Collect information before the appointment: Is there a family history of early heart disease, diabetes or cancer? This information can directly change the risk stratification.
- Prepare a list of medicines and supplements: Your regular medications, vitamins and herbal supplements may affect some laboratory results.
- Bring your old reports: Test and imaging results from previous years are extremely valuable for assessing current change.
- Familiarize yourself with the hunger situation in advance: Not all tests require fasting. However, if lipid profile and fasting blood glucose are required, an 8-12 hour fast may be required; confirm this before the appointment.
- Make a note of your complaints: “Write down symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbance or weight change that you put off because ”I won't think of them at the appointment" and share them with your doctor during the consultation.
Sana Medical Center Check-Up Programs for more information and to find out what package is right for you our online appointment system you can easily apply.
Annual Health Checkup for Women
Women's health check-up schedules differ from men's in terms of reproductive health, hormonal changes and screening, especially for breast and cervical cancer.
As part of the Turkish Ministry of Health's national screening program:
- Women aged 30-65 years HPV-DNA-based cervical cancer screening every 5 years is recommended.
- Women aged 40-69 years mammography screening at regular intervals.
- If there are high risk factors in the family such as BRCA gene mutation and early breast cancer, this calendar can be changed by the physician's decision.
In menopausal women, bone health (osteoporosis screening), increased cardiovascular risk and thyroid variability are high on the health check-up agenda.
From our Internal Medicine Unit In the post-menopausal period, i.e. at around 50 years of age and above, cardiovascular risk increases markedly in women. With the decrease in estrogen protection, LDL cholesterol levels may increase and blood pressure control may become difficult. A comprehensive Internal Medicine assessment allows early management of both metabolic and cardiovascular risk.
Annual Health Checkup for Men
Cardiovascular risk management and metabolic disease monitoring constitute the focal point of annual health check-ups in men. Hypertension, dyslipidemia (cholesterol disorder) and smoking, which increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, are the topics that should be questioned in the check-up of men over the age of 40.
When it comes to prostate cancer screening, international guidelines recommend that PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing should be planned for men aged 55-69 years, based on an individual risk-benefit assessment and in consultation with a physician. The PSA test is not considered a “routine screening for everyone”; it should be evaluated by a physician based on each individual's situation.
Testosterone levels and male reproductive health assessment can also be included in the health check-up in the presence of certain complaints and risk factors.
Which Branch Should I Consult for Annual Health Checkup?
The most accurate answer to this question: The internist or general practitioner is the starting point for a comprehensive health check-up. Depending on the findings of the evaluation, referrals are made to the relevant branches.
At Sana Medical Center, with its multi-specialty structure, the following units can be activated during the annual health check-up process:
- Internal Medicine (Internal Diseases): General assessment, blood test interpretation, metabolic and cardiovascular risk analysis
- Obstetrics and Gynecology: Gynecological examination, HPV and cervical screening
- Radiology Ultrasonography, mammography, chest radiography
- Oral and Dental Health: Annual dental check-up and gum assessment
- Eye Diseases Visual acuity, eye pressure (glaucoma) and retinal control
- Nutrition and Dietetics: Nutrition counseling for individuals with cardiometabolic risk or requiring weight management
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should an annual health check be done? Although there is no general rule, a general evaluation every 2-3 years may be sufficient for young adults without risk factors, while annual check-ups are recommended for individuals over 40 years of age, with chronic diseases or a family history. Consulting your physician is the best approach to determine the appropriate frequency.
Is an annual health check-up the same as a check-up? Conceptually, the two terms overlap; however, a check-up usually refers to a more comprehensive evaluation planned as a package. An annual health check-up, on the other hand, is used in a broader context and may sometimes consist of a single specialty examination. The aim of both is early diagnosis and preventive health.
Is it necessary to fast for the annual check-up? Fasting is not required for every test. If parameters such as fasting blood glucose and triglycerides are required, a fasting period of 8-12 hours may be required. It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the tests and preparation conditions before your appointment.
Does private health insurance cover the annual check-up? Many private health insurances cover annual health checks or check-ups for certain age groups and risk categories. Since policy details vary from insurance to insurance, it is recommended that you contact your own insurance company. Sana Medical Center provides services in agreement with many private health insurances; you can get information about this issue before your appointment.
Is an annual check-up necessary for children? Growth and development monitoring, vaccination schedule, vision and hearing tests are the basis of periodic health check-ups in children. These evaluations Pediatric Health and Diseases Unit is carried out by the Ministry of Health in an age-appropriate calendar.
Which findings require urgent referral? Having the impression that you are “healthy” at your annual check-up does not mean you should ignore urgent symptoms. If you experience sudden chest pain, very high blood pressure, sudden loss of vision or changes in consciousness, you should contact the emergency room immediately.
Where can I go for my annual health check-up in Sultanbeyli? Individuals residing in Sultanbeyli and the Anatolian Side can have a comprehensive annual health assessment through Sana Medical Center's Check-Up Programs and Internal Medicine Unit. Applications can be made easily through the online appointment system.
Don't Postpone Health Checkup Once Again
The most important outcome of an annual health check-up is often not a “no findings, move on” report. Its real value is to identify a risk that has not yet manifested itself, to recognize a disease in time that can be prevented by lifestyle changes, and to create a concrete roadmap for future health decisions.
Early diagnosis shortens the treatment process, reduces costs and protects quality of life. In addition, the habit of regular check-ups increases the individual's own health literacy and facilitates informed health decisions.
You do not necessarily need to wait for a complaint to be checked. A planned health assessment based on your age, risk factors and family history is recognized as the best “prevention”.
Sana Medical Center for Annual Health Checkup in Sultanbeyli
Sana Medical Center offers annual health check-ups under a single roof with its multi-branch structure operating in Sultanbeyli, Istanbul. Specialist physician staff consisting of Internal Medicine, Radiology, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Pediatrics, Ophthalmology and many other units; It allows for personalized evaluation and follow-up plan.
Our center is easily accessible from Anatolian Side districts such as Sultanbeyli, Pendik, Ümraniye, Kartal and Tuzla. Check-Up Programs structured according to age and gender. All examinations can be completed in coordination on the same day and the results are reported with the evaluation of the specialist physician.
In our center, which is contracted with many private health insurances, you can contact our team before your appointment to find out if you can receive services within the scope of your insurance. For your annual health check our online appointment system or 0216 496 10 10 You can make your appointment on our hotline.
This content, Sana Medical Center specialist physician staff in line with current medical literature and clinical experience. It is intended for general information purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For individual assessment appointment with our specialist physicians is recommended.
