Why Early Detection Through Health Screenings Saves Lives

Early detection of medical conditions, such as cancer and heart problems, is essential to managing and treating them. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen. According to Copoly, around 50% of cancers get diagnosed once they’ve hit the advanced stages.

Many factors contribute to cancer and other medical problems not getting detected right away. Limited access to healthcare and lack of education are two main contributors. Thankfully, scheduling routine health screenings is a great way to improve your health.

This blog will discuss the role of early detection through health screenings. We’ll also talk about how often you should schedule them and what other preventative health checks you should get.

What Are Health Screenings?

Health screenings are tests that look for health conditions and diseases before you start to show symptoms. What’s great about these health assessment tests is that they can find these diseases early on when they’re easier to treat.

Some of the types of things routine medical screenings look for include:

• Colorectal cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Breast cancer
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Prostate cancer
• Obesity and overweight
• Osteoporosis

The types of wellness examinations you need depend on various factors. These things can include the following:

• Family history
• Age
• Sex
• Risk factors for various diseases

Each test looks at specific parts of your health, allowing your healthcare provider to get a close look at whatever they’re testing for. Not every person needs more health screenings after their yearly wellness exam. Your doctor will let you know if they recommend additional testing.

The Importance of Early Detection With Health Screenings

Early detection through routine health screenings can save lives and help you navigate potential diseases. All preventative healthcare is designed to do the following:

• Reduce the likelihood of disease
• Manage existing medical conditions to prevent complications
• Identify health concerns early in their development

Early intervention is essential for preventing the disease from getting to the point where it’s more challenging to successfully treat.

Cancer Survival Rates and Early Detection

Cancer treatments are more likely to be successful if it’s diagnosed at the beginning stages of its progression. According to the World Health Organization, around 30-50% of cancers could have been prevented. Catching cancer in its early stages can improve the survival rate of the affected patient.

Preventing Stroke and Heart Disease

Heart disease is one of the top causes of death in the country. Preventative health screenings are available to monitor heart health. This includes screening for some of the following things:

• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure

Detecting these risk factors early allows you to make lifestyle changes and take medication to mitigate your risk of more serious complications.

Key Health Screenings That Can Save Lives

Skipping diagnostic health evaluations can result in you having a disease or other type of health condition being undiagnosed. As a result, any treatments you may need to go through could be less effective and more complex.

Cholesterol Screening

Your healthcare provider can determine your cholesterol levels by conducting a blood test. You should have your cholesterol levels checked every four to six years. Your doctor might increase the frequency of these tests if you have a family history of high cholesterol or diabetes.

Some of the ways you can manage high cholesterol include:

• Medication
• Diet
• Exercise

High Blood Pressure

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a silent condition. It can often lead to more serious health problems, such as:

• Stroke
• Heart disease

Getting routine blood pressure screenings can help you manage and monitor this condition. Your blood pressure should be checked at least annually. Your doctor might recommend you check it at home if they want you to stay more on top of it.

Diabetes Screening

Diabetes affects your body’s ability to process sugar. Detecting diabetes early on helps manage your symptoms. It can also prevent issues like:

• Nerve damage
• Kidney failure
• Heart disease

A1C is a blood test that can diagnose prediabetes and diabetes. Those over 45 and with certain risk factors should receive this screening regularly.

Bone Density Screenings

Your bones start to become brittle and weak if you’re suffering from osteoporosis. This increases your risk of fractures, especially if you fall.

One way to detect osteoporosis early on is with a bone density screening. You can prevent bone breakage through lifestyle changes and treatment.

Cancer Screenings

Your success rate with cancer can be majorly improved with early detection. Some of the types of cancers that have early health screenings are:

• Colorectal cancer
• Breast cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Prostate cancer

The type of testing you undergo depends on the kind of cancer they’re looking for. These may include:

• Mammograms
• Colonoscopies
• Fecal occult blood test
• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test
• Digital rectal exam
• HPV tests
• Pap smears

Hearing and Vision Screenings

Hearing loss can majorly reduce your quality of life and communication abilities. You should have your hearing checked every couple of years, especially once you’re over the age of 50. Your doctor might recommend more frequent exams if you’re at risk for hearing loss.

Eye exams can check more than your vision quality. Some of the health conditions they can detect include:

• Macular degeneration
• Cataracts
• Glaucoma

You should schedule routine eye exams every two years. As with other screenings, your doctor might recommend more frequent testing depending on your risk factors.

Skin Cancer Screenings

Skin cancer is a common form of cancer. However, it’s easily treated the earlier it’s caught. Your dermatologist can conduct regular skin exams to check for suspicious spots or moles.

You can also do monthly self-exams to look for new and unusual spots.

Stay on Top of Your Health With Rittenhouse Village At Northside

It can be overwhelming thinking about all the health screenings you might have scheduled for you. However, staying on top of your health is key to preventing more serious issues from arising.

At Rittenhouse Village At Northside, we understand the importance of attending your medical appointments. Our caregivers will ensure you attend all of your routine and preventative medical appointments. Reach out to our office to book a consultation to discuss our services.