In medicine, a proactive approach is always better than a reactive one. Preventing an illness before it occurs can save you the complications of treating it after the symptoms have begun. While we can’t see into the future, checking in with your primary care provider regularly and addressing any new or ongoing health concerns can shine a light onto what may be in store for you. Through routine screenings and exams, you and your provider can detect diseases early in their development and create a plan before they can become more serious — learn more about preventive care and some of the most common screenings you should schedule.
What Is Preventive Care?
Preventive care is a medical specialty designed to detect health problems early, thereby preventing illnesses and helping you and your provider develop a personalized treatment plan. This is more than just reducing your risk of getting sick — the purpose of preventive care is to improve your quality of life and well-being.
Preventive care includes a wide variety of medical services ranging from annual checkups and physicals to immunizations and vaccinations, as well as routine screenings for some common conditions. Scheduling these exams regularly can greatly reduce your risk of serious illness and give your provider a better understanding of your health history. Knowing is always better than assuming — use this checklist of some of the most common health screenings and call your provider to schedule yours today.
- Blood pressure screening — Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a high risk factor for heart disease affecting nearly half of American adults. Regular blood pressure screenings beginning at age 18 can greatly reduce the risk of heart disease. While blood pressure can be checked during ordinary doctor’s visits, patients ages 40 or older or those at higher risk should be screened at least once a year. Patients ages 18-39 who aren’t at high risk should be screened every three to five years.
- Cholesterol screening — Another test that can reduce the risk of heart disease are cholesterol screenings that measure the amount of cholesterol, a waxy material that collects in the bloodstream and can build up in the arteries, leading to heart disease. Patients should schedule a cholesterol screening every four to six years, though some patients may need more frequent screenings depending on their risk for heart disease.
- BMI assessment — Also known as body mass index, a BMI assessment measures body weight relative to a patient’s height. This provides a reliable measurement for whether a patient is underweight, overweight, or obese. A BMI assessment should be scheduled annually.
- Cancer screenings — Several types of cancer can be detected before they reach an advanced stage, proving lifesaving in many cases.
- Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in American women, affecting 1 in 8 patients. A mammogram — or an X-ray image of the breast tissue — can provide a detailed look of the breasts and show any masses or abnormalities even before they turn cancerous. Patients between the ages of 40-74 should schedule a mammogram every two years; those at higher risk may need to start screening at a younger age and more frequently, depending on advice from their primary care provider.
- Most forms of cervical cancer can be detected with pap tests and HPV tests, which can find precancerous cells and are the most effective forms of prevention. These screenings should be scheduled every three years for patients between the ages of 21-29. Those between the ages of 30-65 should schedule a pap test every three years, an HPV test every five years, or both tests every five years. Women at higher risk or have received abnormal results in the past may need more frequent testing.
- The CDC recommends yearly lung cancer screening only for those at high risk (i.e., people who have had a smoking habit of at least 20 packs per year, currently smoke or have quit within the previous 15 years, and are between 50-80 years old).
- The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends annual screenings for skin cancer, which includes a visual examination during which a dermatologist may remove irregular lesions for further analysis.
- Finally, colorectal cancer risk increases with age, so scheduling a colonoscopy — or a visual examination of the colon and rectum using a colonoscope — is the most effective form of prevention. Patients are sedated so they feel no pain or discomfort during the procedure, which only takes about a half-hour. The American Cancer Society recommends scheduling a colonoscopy every 10 years beginning at age 45.
Stay on top of your screenings — Warner Hospital is here to help. Find a primary care provider near you or call (217) 935-9571 to schedule your preventive care screenings today.
