Preventive Screenings, Explained in Plain Language
Quick Answer (TL;DR)
Screening looks for problems before symptoms appear, in people who feel well. Which tests apply depends mostly on your age, sex and family history.
What It Means
Common adult screening includes blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes risk, cervical, breast and bowel cancer programmes, and in some countries abdominal aortic aneurysm and lung screening for smokers.
Why It Matters for Your Health
Screening works best when it is timely and appropriate. Done too often, or on the wrong people, it produces false alarms and unnecessary procedures rather than benefit.
Recommended Biomarker or Metric to Track
Keep a dated list of screenings completed and when the next is due.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Targeted questions based on latest clinical consensus statements.
Suggest a Medical or Clinical Correction
Healthovi content is continuously reviewed. If you notice outdated recommendations or clinical ambiguities, let our medical review board know.