By Sarita Warrick, MD; Optum New Mexico
Getting regular checkups that focus on preventive care can help catch certain conditions early, potentially helping you live a healthier and longer life.[1] These visits should focus on things like preventive services, such as vaccinations,[2] as well as screenings that can check for early signs of diseases, improving the chances of catching certain conditions early when they may be easier to treat.[3]
Screening tests
Most screenings are done regularly to check for hidden medical issues.[4] The specific health screenings that may be recommended for you depend on your age, sex, family medical history, and whether you have risk factors for certain diseases.
Cervical cancer and colorectal cancer are both examples where preventative screening increases the odds of catching an abnormality or presence of cancer early enough to ensure curative treatment, if needed.
Facts about cervical cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, in the United States about 13,820 new cases of invasive cervical cancer were diagnosed in 2024, with about 4,360 women dying from cervical cancer.[5] This number has decreased over time as cervical cancer was once one of the leading causes of cancer death among American women.[6]
Though cervical cancer can be diagnosed over a wide range of ages, it’s most frequently diagnosed in women between the ages of 35 and 44 and rarely develops before the age of 20.[7] The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends cervical cancer screening every three years for women ages 21 through 29. More than 20% of cervical cancers are found in women over 65[8], but these cancers rarely occur in women who are screened regularly for cervical cancer before the age of 65.[9] Screenings can help to determine if there are any cervical changes that might lead to cancer and whether an early form of cancer might be present.[10] If a pre-cancer is found during this examination, it can be treated before turning into cervical cancer. [11]
Facts about colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer develops in the colon or rectum. The colon is a part of the large intestine or large bowel, and the rectum is the passageway that connects the colon to the anus.[12] Aside from certain types of skin cancer, colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer death in men and women in the United States.[13] The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 107,320 new cases of colon cancer and 46,950 new cases of rectal cancer in 2025.[14] Colorectal cancer is expected to cause about 52,900 deaths during 2025.[15]
The most effective way to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer is to get routinely screened.[16] The USPSTF recommends adults who are at average risk begin regular screenings at age 45, continuing through age 75, and adults ages 76 to 85 talk to their doctor about screening recommendations that are right for them.[17]
People at a higher risk may need to start screening at a younger age. Most colorectal cancers start as precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum, which can be present for years before invasive cancer develops.[18] Early colorectal cancer is often associated with no symptoms, which is why screening is so important.[19]
The colorectal cancer death rate has been decreasing in older adults for the past few decades, due in part to increased awareness and screening as well as better treatment. By finding polyps and cancer in its early stages, the rate of cure is significantly increased.[20]
For information about Optum – New Mexico or to schedule an appointment, call Optum – New Mexico at 505-900-0932 (TTY 711) or visit nm.optum.com. Our representatives speak English and Spanish.
[1] Are You Up to Date on Your Preventive Care? | Chronic Disease | CDC
[2] Are You Up to Date on Your Preventive Care? | Chronic Disease | CDC
[3] Are You Up to Date on Your Preventive Care? | Chronic Disease | CDC
[4] What Should I Ask My Doctor During a Checkup? | National Institute on Aging (nih.gov)
[5] Cervical Cancer Statistics | Key Facts About Cervical Cancer
[6] Cervical Cancer Statistics | Key Facts About Cervical Cancer
[7] Cervical Cancer Statistics | Key Facts About Cervical Cancer
[8] Cervical Cancer Statistics | Key Facts About Cervical Cancer | American Cancer Society
[9] Cervical Cancer Statistics | Key Facts About Cervical Cancer | American Cancer Society
[10] Can Cervical Cancer Be Prevented | Ways to Prevent Cervical Cancer
[11] Can Cervical Cancer Be Prevented | Ways to Prevent Cervical Cancer
[12] Colorectal Cancer Basics | Colorectal Cancer | CDC
[13] Colorectal Cancer Statistics | How Common Is Colorectal Cancer?
[14] Colorectal Cancer Statistics | How Common Is Colorectal Cancer?
[15] Colorectal Cancer Statistics | How Common Is Colorectal Cancer?
[16] Reducing Risk for Colorectal Cancer | Colorectal Cancer | CDC
[17] Recommendation: Colorectal Cancer: Screening | United States Preventive Services Taskforce (uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org)
[18] Reducing Risk for Colorectal Cancer | Colorectal Cancer | CDC
[19] Screening for Colorectal Cancer | Colorectal Cancer | CDC
[20] Colorectal Cancer Statistics | How Common Is Colorectal Cancer?
