Prevention – Which check-ups are advisable?

What is a health checkup?

A health checkup consists of medical examinations designed to identify risk factors and diseases as early as possible—often even before symptoms appear. The goal is to assess an individual’s health, prevent diseases, or diagnose them at an early stage, when the chances of successful treatment are often particularly good.

However, not every screening test is equally beneficial for every person. Age, family history, pre-existing conditions, and personal lifestyle play an important role in selecting appropriate screening tests. While some screenings are recommended for the general population, others are only appropriate for individuals at increased risk or for specific medical conditions.

As a general rule, a healthy lifestyle that includes sufficient exercise, a balanced diet, not smoking, and moderate alcohol consumption is the most important foundation for long-term health. In addition, personalized health screenings can help identify risks early on and initiate targeted preventive measures.

At the USZ, health checkups are tailored to each individual’s personal risk profile. During an initial medical consultation, we will work together to determine which preventive screenings are medically appropriate and which tests will be most beneficial in each individual case

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Who should get a checkup?

Health checkups are an important part of preventive health care. Which preventive screenings are appropriate depends, among other things, on age, personal risk factors, family history, and overall health. A health checkup can be particularly useful in the following situations:

• Healthy individuals with no symptoms: Even in the absence of symptoms, health screenings can help identify risk factors early and prevent disease.
• People with risk factors: Being overweight, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, lack of physical activity, or other risk factors can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and other illnesses. Early diagnosis enables targeted preventive measures.
• People with a family history of disease: If there is an increased risk of diseases such as colorectal cancer, breast cancer, or prostate cancer in the family, it may be advisable to begin screening at a younger age.
• Starting at a certain age: Age-specific recommendations apply to various preventive screenings. Which screenings are recommended starting at age 40, 50, or earlier depends on individual circumstances.
• If you are unsure or have specific questions about your health: If you would like to assess your health or better evaluate your personal risk of developing a disease, you can seek medical advice.

Whether to undergo preventive screenings—and, if so, which ones—is always a personal decision. For this reason, an initial medical consultation takes place at the USZ Prevention Center. This process takes into account the individual’s personal risk profile, any family history of disease, and individual needs in order to jointly develop a medically sound preventive care program. At the same time, the benefits and limitations of screening tests, as well as the potential risks of overdiagnosis, are discussed.

Where can I get a health checkup?

Depending on the specific needs and an individual’s health status, a health checkup can be performed at various medical facilities. The best place to turn depends, among other things, on your personal risk, the desired scope of preventive health care, and any pre-existing conditions.

• At the family doctor’s office: The family doctor’s office is often the first place to go for general checkups and an assessment of your personal health. If necessary, further tests may be conducted or patients may be referred to specialists.
• At specialized health screening centers: Specialized centers offer structured preventive care programs tailored to a person’s age, risk profile, or individual needs.
• At the University Hospital of Zurich (USZ): At the USZ Prevention Center, health checkups are tailored to each individual’s personal risk profile. Before each examination, a preliminary consultation with a doctor takes place, during which the doctor and patient work together to determine which preventive screenings are medically appropriate. If necessary, all of the USZ’s medical departments are available for further evaluation and treatment.

Note: A health check-up does not replace a medical evaluation if you have symptoms. If symptoms appear or a medical condition is suspected, a targeted medical examination should be conducted.

What is examined during a health checkup?

The tests that are performed depend on the patient’s age, gender, personal risk factors, and specific clinical concerns. Not every health checkup includes the same tests. The goal is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of one’s health and to develop a preventive care program tailored to each individual’s specific situation.

A health checkup typically includes the following tests:

• Medical History and Personal Consultation: Discussion of your medical history, current symptoms, pre-existing conditions, medications, family history of disease, and lifestyle factors such as physical activity, diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
• Physical Examination: Measurement of key health parameters such as blood pressure, pulse, height, and weight, as well as a general physical examination.
• Laboratory Tests: Laboratory tests provide important information about a person’s health. Depending on the specific issue, tests may be performed to measure blood sugar, blood lipids, and other laboratory values to assess organ and metabolic functions. The long-term blood sugar level (HbA1c) is tested to detect disorders of glucose metabolism at an early stage.
• Cardiovascular Diagnostics: Depending on an individual’s risk, the evaluation of the cardiovascular system may include tests such as a resting ECG, a stress ECG, or ultrasound examinations. The goal is to identify risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure and atherosclerosis, at an early stage and, if necessary, to initiate further testing.
• Additional tests as needed: Depending on age, gender, family history, or individual risk factors, additional imaging tests or organ-specific screening tests may be recommended.

Which tests are appropriate in each individual case is determined on a case-by-case basis during a consultation with a doctor.

At what age does it make sense to have a checkup?

There is no universal age limit for health checkups. Which preventive screenings are appropriate depends not only on age but also on a person’s health status, family history, and individual risk factors.

As a general rule:

• Under 35: In the absence of risk factors, the focus is usually on a healthy lifestyle and personalized counseling. If there is a family history of the condition or existing risk factors, targeted screening may be advisable at an earlier stage.
• Ages 35 to 40: As you get older, health checkups become increasingly important. Depending on your personal risk, it may be a good idea to start having regular checkups to identify risk factors early on.
• Age 50 and older: Starting at this age, various preventive screenings are recommended more frequently. Which tests are appropriate in each individual case depends on age, gender, and personal risk profile.
• In cases of a family history of disease: If there is an increased risk of certain diseases, specific screening tests may be recommended much earlier.

The appropriate tests for you will be determined together during a personalized medical consultation.

Which preventive screenings are particularly important?

The recommended screening tests depend on age, gender, personal risk factors, and family history. Some screening tests are considered particularly effective because they can detect diseases or their early stages at an early stage, thereby improving the chances of successful treatment.

Cardiovascular diseases

Regular checkups of the cardiovascular system are among the most important preventive medical examinations, since most diseases—such as heart attacks and strokes —could be prevented through timely changes in lifestyle and diet. In many cases, for example, being overweight leads to high blood pressure, which can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of a heart attack, stroke, or aortic aneurysm.

Diabetes and Metabolism

Disorders of carbohydrate metabolism should be detected as early as possible. That is why measuring fasting blood glucose and HbA1c is one of the most important preventive screenings.

Persistently elevated blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. If the early stages of diabetes are detected in time, they can often be cured—or at least positively influenced—through consistent changes in diet and lifestyle.

Colorectal cancer screening

A colonoscopy is considered one of the most effective screening tests for the early detection of colon cancer. It is generally recommended starting at age 50, though it may be recommended earlier in cases of a family history of the condition.

If polyps are detected as precancerous lesions, they can usually be removed immediately during the examination. This can often prevent the development of colorectal cancer. If colorectal cancer is detected early, the chances of recovery are generally very good.

Breast Cancer Screening

Women aged 50 and older are advised to undergo regular mammograms for the early detection of breast cancer. If you are at increased risk or have a family history of the condition, it may be advisable to begin screening earlier.

Depending on the individual situation, a mammogram may be supplemented with an ultrasound exam. In addition, regularly examining and feeling your breasts remains an important part of early detection.

Skin cancer screening

The purpose of skin cancer screening is to detect skin cancer and its precancerous stages as early as possible. People with many moles, fair skin, significant UV exposure, or a family history of skin cancer can particularly benefit from regular checkups.

During the examination, a dermatologist evaluates the skin and any noticeable skin changes. If suspicious findings are detected, further investigations or treatment can be initiated at an early stage.

Prostate Cancer Screening

Regular prostate cancer screenings are recommended for men starting at age 50. If there is a family history of the condition, it may be advisable to have an initial examination as early as age 45. Preventive care includes a PSA test and a urological examination. The USZ also offers Stockholm3, an innovative blood test that combines various biomarkers and can further improve the early detection of prostate cancer.

How much does a health checkup cost, and what does health insurance cover?

The cost of a health checkup depends on the scope of the examinations and the individual’s specific needs. While certain medically recommended preventive screenings may be covered by basic health insurance, comprehensive health checkups without a specific medical indication often must be paid for out of pocket.

Whether and to what extent the health insurance provider covers the costs depends, among other things, on age, personal risk profile, and the benefits provided under basic or supplemental insurance. For certain preventive medical examinations—such as those for cancer screening or in cases of an increased risk of disease—the costs may be covered by basic health insurance. Examples of this include screening for prostate, colorectal, breast, and skin cancer.

Before undergoing a health checkup, it is advisable to clarify the scope of coverage and whether your health insurance plan will cover the costs. We would be happy to advise you during a personal consultation on which tests are medically appropriate and what costs may be involved in your specific case.

What happens after an abnormal test result?

Not every abnormal finding means that a serious illness is present. However, if any abnormalities are detected during a health checkup, the results will first be evaluated by a doctor and discussed with you. If further evaluations are necessary, they will be scheduled on a case-by-case basis as services covered by basic insurance and in consultation with the family doctor.

At the USZ, patients benefit from close collaboration among various medical disciplines. Thanks to the wide range of medical services available, specialists from various fields can be quickly consulted as needed, and further examinations or treatments can be coordinated. This ensures comprehensive support tailored to each individual’s situation.

How do I prepare for a health checkup?

How to prepare for a health checkup depends on the tests that are scheduled. You will be informed of the necessary steps prior to your appointment. This ensures that the examinations are conducted optimally and that meaningful results are obtained.

Before a health checkup, you should keep the following in mind, among other things:

• Fasting: For certain blood tests or metabolic tests, you may need to fast for several hours before your appointment. You will be informed in advance whether this is necessary for your checkup. For an ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs, you should, for example, have fasted for at least 4 hours beforehand so that the gallbladder can be evaluated properly.
• Medications: If you take medications regularly, talk to your care team to see if you should continue taking them as usual.
• Bring any previous test results: If available, previous test results, lab reports, or lists of medications can be helpful and help avoid duplicate tests.
• Allow enough time: Depending on the scope of the health checkup, several tests may be performed during a single appointment. The duration depends on the individually agreed-upon examination plan.
• Write down your questions: Use the appointment to ask any questions you may have about your health or potential risk factors.

Once the tests are complete, a doctor will discuss the results with you. If further evaluation or follow-up examinations are warranted, the next steps will be determined jointly.

Why get a health checkup at the USZ?

Every person has different health conditions and risks. That is why the USZ focuses on personalized preventive medicine rather than standardized checkup packages. At the Prevention Center, the screening program is tailored to your individual situation and, if necessary, planned in collaboration with other medical specialties.

Your benefits at a glance:

• Personalized preventive care instead of standard programs: The screenings are tailored to your age, your personal risk profile, and your specific health concerns.
• Personal Medical Consultation: Before the health checkup, a detailed preliminary consultation takes place to jointly determine which medical tests are appropriate.
• Comprehensive medical expertise: If necessary, specialists from various departments at the USZ can be quickly consulted.
• State-of-the-art diagnostics all in one place: Depending on the clinical issue, all the diagnostic options available at a university hospital are at your disposal.
• Personalized Recommendations for Your Health: After completing the health checkup, the results will be discussed in detail, and you will receive personalized recommendations regarding prevention, lifestyle, and any further tests or checkups that may be necessary.