Feeling Fine Is Not Enough When It Comes to Preventive Screenings
3/11/2026
Brooke Rocque, Aspirus Family Medicine Nurse Practitioner
Many serious health conditions develop quietly. High blood pressure, diabetes, and certain cancers often show no early warning signs, making routine screenings an essential part of staying healthy.
Aspirus Family Medicine Nurse Practitioner Brooke Rocque emphasizes that annual wellness visits are designed to catch concerns early.
“The annual wellness visit is a foundation for good health because it allows us to perform routine screenings and detect disease before it develops and before symptoms appear,” Rocque said.
Despite that, she says many patients delay care because they feel well.
“‘I feel fine, so I don’t have to do it,’ is something I hear a lot,” Rocque said. “But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Most of the time, by the time symptoms appear, the disease has progressed to a point that is going to require more intense treatment.”
Certain screenings are more likely to be postponed than others. Colon cancer and breast cancer screenings are among the most commonly delayed, often due to busy schedules, preparation requirements, or discomfort.
“Preventive care shifts the focus from reacting to illness to staying ahead of it,” she said.
For patients unsure where to begin, Rocque recommends starting with one simple step: scheduling an annual wellness visit.
“That appointment gives us time to talk through your personal risk factors and create a plan that supports your long-term health,” she said.
Routine screenings remain one of the simplest ways individuals can protect their future health. Patients are encouraged to schedule a wellness visit and speak with their primary care provider about which screenings are appropriate based on age, risk factors, and personal health history.
To schedule an appointment or learn more about preventive care services, visit aspirus.org/primarycare or contact your local Aspirus clinic.
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