Going to the doctor for regular health screenings and tests can help catch illnesses and medical conditions early when they are most treatable. Health screenings look for diseases before you have symptoms so problems can be detected at an initial stage. Getting the recommended health screenings and tests can provide peace of mind and help you live a longer, healthier life. In this blog, you will get brief of 3 types of health screenings.
Why Get Screened?
Health screenings find diseases and conditions early when they are easiest to treat. Finding diseases early often allows for more treatment options as well. Screenings can also help find problems before they cause symptoms when a cure may be more likely. In some cases, early detection through screenings can help prevent some diseases altogether.
Regular screening tests can identify problems that warrant further testing. They are an important first step in diagnosis and treatment. Screenings also help track results over time so changes or developments can be found. Overall, screenings give crucial information to you and your doctor to identify issues and figure out the next steps when needed.
Types of Health Screenings
There are a variety of health screenings that are commonly recommended by organizations like the United States Preventive Services Task Force. Here are 3 important types of health screenings:
1. Preventive Screenings
Preventive screenings look for signs of a disease when you do not have symptoms. They aim to detect illnesses early to improve outcomes. Some examples of preventive screenings include:
- Blood pressure screening to look for hypertension
- Cholesterol check to assess heart health
- Mammograms to detect breast cancer
- Colonoscopy to find colon cancer
These tests look for early warning signs that could develop into larger problems if not treated promptly. They help find issues you may not know about yet.
2. Routine Cancer Screenings
Routine cancer screenings aim to find cancer in early stages when it is often more treatable. Common routine cancer screenings include:
- Mammogram – X-ray imaging of breasts to find breast cancer
- Pap smear – Samples cervical cells to detect cervical cancer
- PSA test – Blood test measures prostate-specific antigen to check for prostate cancer
- Low-dose CT scan – Imaging test screens for lung cancer
These tests look for cancer before you have noticeable symptoms. Early detection improves outcomes and survival rates for many common cancers.
3. Diagnostic Screenings
Diagnostic screenings investigate existing symptoms and health problems. They are used to identify the underlying cause of symptoms you are experiencing. Some examples include:
- Imaging tests like an MRI or CT scan to get pictures of internal organs
- Endoscopy exams like a colonoscopy to view inside the body
- Sleep studies to analyze sleep disorders
- Stress tests to check heart function during exercise
Diagnostic screenings provide important details to reach a diagnosis based on your symptoms. They often involve more extensive testing than preventive screenings.
When to Get Screened
Health organizations provide guidelines on when to start getting different screening tests and how often to repeat them. Recommendations vary based on age, gender, health status, and risk factors. Some general guidelines include:
- Blood pressure – At least every 2 years for adults
- Cholesterol – Starting at age 20, repeat every 4-6 years
- Mammograms – Starting at age 40-50, repeat every 1-2 years
- Colonoscopy – Starting at age 45-50, repeat every 10 years
- Prostate exam – Starting at age 50, repeat annually
Talk to your doctor about the right timing for health screenings based on your medical history and personal risk factors. They can help decide which tests you need and when to get them.
Getting Screened
Here are some tips for getting health screenings:
- Talk to your doctor about which screenings you need and when. Bring a list of questions.
- Mark recommended screening dates on your calendar so you remember to schedule appointments.
- Ask your insurance provider which screenings are covered.
- Find in-network providers to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
- Ask about options like mobile screening units or community health events.
- Stay up to date on new screening recommendations as guidelines are frequently updated.
- Discuss screening results with your doctor and ask about next steps.
The Takeaway
Regular health screenings are an essential part of preventive care. Getting the right tests at the right time allows early detection of major diseases when treatment is most effective. Screenings also provide peace of mind that any developing issues will be caught early. Although health screenings require an investment of time and sometimes money, the benefits of identifying problems sooner rather than later are invaluable. Talk to your doctor to determine which screenings you need and when so that you can live your healthiest life.
