Preventive Screenings Content

Stay One Step Ahead of Health Risks

Protect Your Health: Schedule Your Screenings Today

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Healthy aging means staying active, eating well, getting enough sleep, and taking your medications as prescribed. It also means keeping up with important health screenings. Getting checked early for breast cancer, colon cancer, and osteoporosis is one of the best ways to protect your health.

These conditions can grow slowly and often have no clear warning signs. Regular checkups help catch problems early, protect your independence, support your stability, and give you peace of mind.

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Have questions about the right screening option or your covered benefits?
Call us today at 1-888-950-0705 (TTY: 711), Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Central Time. We’re here to help!

Breast Cancer: Early Checks Keep You in Charge

Breast cancer becomes more common with age, but finding it early makes it easier to treat and manage.

Watch for changes like:

  • A new lump in the breast or underarm
  • Changes in size or shape
  • Redness, swelling, or skin that looks different
  • Nipple pain or discharge

Why it matters:

  • Early detection helps you stay strong and active.
  • Screening gives peace of mind and helps you catch changes before they become serious.

Recommended screening:

  • A mammogram every 1–2 years for adults 40–74.
  • After 75, ask your healthcare provider what schedule fits your health.

Colon Cancer: Prevent Problems Before They Start

Colon cancer often starts as small growths called polyps. These can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening helps find these early and protects your long‑term health.

Symptoms to watch for:

  • Blood in your stool
  • Stomach pain that doesn’t go away
  • Changes in bathroom habits
  • Low energy or unexpected weight loss

Types of screening tests:

  • Colonoscopy: usually every 10 years
  • Stool tests: every 1 to 3 years, depending on the test

Why it matters:

Finding colon cancer early helps you stay active, enjoy daily life, and avoid more serious health problems later.

Osteoporosis: Stay Steady, Strong, and Mobile

Osteoporosis makes bones weak and easy to break, often without warning. Strong bones help you stay mobile, independent, and confident.

Who’s at risk:

  • Women 65+ and men 70+
  • Anyone with a past fracture or certain medications

Silent signs:

Most people don’t feel symptoms until a bone breaks, which is why screening is important.

Recommended screening:

A bone density scan for adults 65 and older or sooner if you have risk factors.

Build stronger bones with:

  • Calcium: 1,200 mg/day
  • Vitamin D: 800–1,000 IU/day
  • Daily movement: light weights, walking, balance exercises
  • Fall prevention: good lighting, sturdy shoes, handrails, clutter‑free floors

Why it matters:

Stronger bones help prevent falls and fractures, keep you moving safely, and help improve your quality of life.

image of an older lady smiling & chatting with a healthcare provider

Everyone’s health needs are different, and your provider can help you understand which screenings you need, when to get them, and which test options are best for your health. Taking action today helps you stay strong, independent, and in control of your health.

Blue Advantage Rewards & Wellness Program

The Blue Advantage Rewards & Wellness Program gives you access to our online portal with programs and trackers that can help guide you in your wellness journey. Explore the programs below to help you boost your well-being and take charge of your health!

Screenings, immunizations, and lifestyle changes can keep your health in great shape for the long haul. Learn how with the Preventive Health - Reducing Your Risks program.

Get Rewarded for Taking Care of Your Health

Enroll in the Blue Advantage® Rewards & Wellness Program and earn a $10 Walmart gift card!

Not a member of the Blue Advantage Rewards & Wellness Program?

Enroll now and get access to the online portal with a variety of health and wellness tools plus earn rewards for completing healthy activities like getting your annual wellness visit.

enroll now 'blue advantage logo

All rewards will be mailed in the form of a Walmart gift card, which may be used in-store or online at Walmart.com. Gift card may NOT be used for Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, or Lottery. After completing an activity, it may take approximately 8-12 weeks to receive the gift card.

Enrollment reward is only for new reward program enrollees. Blackhawk Network is an independent company providing rewards (Walmart gift cards) to Blue Advantage members on behalf of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama.

Blue Advantage is a PPO with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Blue Advantage (PPO) depends on contract renewal.

Information contained in this communication is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your healthcare needs.

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