Preventative screenings play a vital role in maintaining overall health. By catching potential health issues early, individuals can address them before they become serious problems. Gia Williams, APRN, at Baptist Health Family Clinic-Rose City, discusses the importance of preventative screenings, the distinction between preventive care and diagnostic care, and how you can be proactive about your health by visiting your doctor.
Importance of Preventative Screenings (All Ages)
Regular screenings can lead to early detection of diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, which can significantly improve treatment outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.
Here’s a general overview of common and important screenings:
- Blood pressure check (at least once a year)
- Cholesterol Test (starting at age 20 if risk factors otherwise at age 35 for men and 45 for women)
- Diabetes Screening (especially if overweight, have high blood pressure, or family history)
- Body Mass Index (BMI) (check heigh/weight for obesity risk)
- Mental Health Screening (for depression, anxiety, etc.)
Depending on your age, health history, and risk factors, your primary care provider can recommend appropriate screenings, such as blood pressure checks, cholesterol tests, and cancer screenings. Stay proactive about your health and take action to have a healthier life. Here are the recommended screenings depending on your age, gender and conditions:
Women’s Screenings
- Ages 21+: Pap Smear (Cervical Cancer Screening) – every 3 years or as recommended
- Ages 40-49: Mammogram (Breast Cancer Screening) – talk to your doctor about timing
- Ages 50+: Mammogram every 1-2 years
- After Menopause: Bone Density Test (Osteoporosis Screening)
Men’s Screenings
- Prostate Cancer Screening (PSA test – Ages 50+ (depends on personal/family risk)
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening for men 65-75 who have ever smoked.
Screenings for All Adults at 45
- Colorectal Cancer Screening (Colonoscopy) – usually every 10 years, but other tests like stool tests or sigmoidoscopies can be used
- Lung Cancer Screening (for people with a history of heavy smoking)
Vaccinations (Part of Preventative Care)
- Flu Shot (yearly)
- COVID-19 Vaccine/Booster (as recommended)
- Tetanus Booster (every 10 years)
- Shingles Vaccine (age 50+)
- Pneumonia Vaccine (age 65+ or earlier if certain health risks)
For People with Specific Risk Factors (Any Age)
- Hepatitis C Screening (if born between 1945-1965 or with risk factors like IV drug use)
- HIV Screening (recommended for all adults at least once, more often if higher risk)
- Skin Cancer Screening (if you have a family history, fair skin, or lots of sun exposure)
For Pregnant People
- Gestational Diabetes Screening
- STD Screenings
- Blood Pressure Monitoring (Preeclampsia Screening)
Be Proactive with Your Health
Preventative screenings are proactive. They’re done when you feel healthy and have no symptoms. The goal is to catch potential problems early or even prevent illness altogether. Insurance often covers preventative screenings (like annual physicals, mammograms, or colonoscopies) because they can reduce future healthcare costs by keeping people healthier.
For example, getting a cholesterol check at your yearly physical to see if you’re at risk for heart disease.
Diagnostic test or studies are reactive. They’re done when you already have symptoms or your doctor suspects something is wrong. Diagnostic tests are used to figure out what’s causing your symptoms so you can get the right treatment.
For example, If you have chest pain, your doctor might order a diagnostic EKG or blood test to check for a heart attack.
Key Tip: If you’re not sure what you need, scheduling an annual wellness visit is a great way to start. At that visit, your doctor will review your health history and make a custom plan for your screenings.
Preventative screenings are a crucial aspect of maintaining your overall health. They help ensure that any potential health issues are caught early, leading to better health outcomes. Don’t wait until symptoms arise; take charge of your health today! Schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor to discuss which screenings are right for you.
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