A physical examination is a medical procedure to check the body, understand health status, and detect early signs of disease and potential health risks. Regular health checkups can not only assess disease risks and screen for chronic diseases earlier, but also intervene in the occurrence and development of chronic diseases at an early stage, allowing everyone to live a healthy and happy life.
What does a physical examination include?
Physical examinations are divided into basic physical examinations and specialized physical examinations. It is recommended that everyone have a physical examination once a year. The basic physical examination includes 14 major items: questionnaire and consultation, general examination, internal medicine, surgery, dentistry, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, gynecology, routine laboratory tests, laboratory biochemical tests, tumor marker tests, routine electrocardiogram, X-ray examination, and ultrasound examination. By completing these physical examinations and generating the corresponding physical examination report, you can have a clear understanding of your health status.
Specialized physical examinations refer to targeted examinations conducted based on an individual's age, gender, lifestyle, and risk of developing certain diseases. For example, tumor marker testing is essential for individuals over 40 years of age and those at high risk of malignant tumors. High-risk groups include residents of high-incidence cancer areas or those with a family history of cancer, those with diseases that may develop into malignant tumors, such as cirrhosis, intestinal polyps, Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, those with unhealthy lifestyle habits such as heavy smoking and drinking, and those who are exposed to carcinogens such as chemicals for extended periods.
How to choose for people of different age groups
People of different age groups have different concerns about physical examination items, but two points are essential: accurate testing and effective management.
Accurate testing means that the focus of physical examination items varies depending on the age group.
For adolescents aged 10-16, physical examinations should emphasize physical development and vision/hearing. In addition to routine physical examinations (height, weight, blood pressure, pulse) and laboratory tests, vision and color vision tests can be added to detect eye diseases such as amblyopia, strabismus, myopia, color blindness, and color weakness earlier, allowing for timely intervention. Simultaneously, if possible, parents can also have their children undergo adolescent mental health screenings to gain a deeper understanding of their children's mental well-being.
Adults aged 20-30: Due to intense social competition, fast-paced work, reduced physical labor, and unhealthy lifestyles, adults should, in addition to basic checkups, choose personalized examinations under the guidance of a professional physician, based on their individual health risk factors. Generally, people aged 20-30 need to cultivate healthy lifestyles and hygiene habits, and typically choose routine basic checkups.
Adults in this age group should pay attention to infectious disease screening and prevention. In addition to routine checkups, they can add examinations for hepatitis, *Helicobacter pylori* infection, urinary tract infections, HPV infection, hepatitis B five markers, and C13 breath test. Women in this age group should begin to pay attention to breast and cervical health, adding examinations such as breast ultrasound and thin-layer cervical cytology (TCT).
Adults around 40 years old: Pay attention to tumor and gastrointestinal disease screening. Regularly undergo early cancer screening, adding examinations such as tumor marker testing and gastroscopy/colonoscopy.
Adults around 50 years old: Focus on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health and general physical examinations. The risk of developing cancer increases with age, requiring continuous monitoring, especially for colorectal cancer. It is recommended to have a colonoscopy every 1-2 years. In addition to regular checkups, add cardiovascular examinations (carotid artery ultrasound, arteriosclerosis detection, transcranial Doppler, etc.) and bone density tests.
Adults going through menopause (usually between 45 and 55 years old), whether male or female, experience a series of effects from hormonal changes. For example, women experience a sharp drop in estrogen levels after menopause, resulting in greater bone loss than men due to the loss of estrogen protection; men also experience bone loss due to decreased estrogen and androgen levels. In addition to the checkups for previous age groups, individuals can add bone density testing and mental health assessments. If entering menopause or experiencing related symptoms, hormone level testing should be added under the guidance of a doctor.
For seniors aged 60-70, in addition to routine checkups for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, tumors, and kidney damage, annual physical examinations should also include screening for ear, nose, and throat diseases, retinal diseases, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease assessment. In some cases, more advanced screening methods such as MRI may be necessary.
It is important to note that physical examination results are suggestive indicators, not the "gold standard" for clinical diagnosis. Many diseases require multiple follow-up examinations, combined with clinical symptoms and factors such as genetics and lifestyle habits to further clarify the diagnosis. If abnormalities are found in the physical examination report, there is no need for excessive anxiety. Consult a doctor promptly, listen to their advice and suggestions, adjust your lifestyle accordingly, and take appropriate medication to achieve a healthy life.
Early intervention and consistent follow-up are key to managing potential health issues effectively. Small lifestyle changes—such as improving sleep quality, increasing physical activity, and optimizing dietary habits—can significantly enhance clinical outcomes. Always rely on evidence-based guidance from qualified healthcare professionals rather than self-diagnosis or unverified online information.
