The mere thought of being sick is worrying enough. You can only imagine the difficulty of having to deal with the expensive cost of treatments, the psychological and physical exhaustion, and the significant impact it can have on your quality of life and future plans. No matter how frightening testing may seem, it is absolutely necessary to catch conditions early, so you can either treat them early on or prevent them from developing in the first place.
The Importance of Preventive Health Screenings
Preventive health screenings is a strategy in health care that aims to improve quality of life and prevent complications or premature death by early detection of possible diseases, even in the absence of symptoms. Screenings can identify existing problems in the body that could later evolve into an illness.
While not all preventive screenings guarantee 100% accuracy, the results can help you and your doctor devise an intervention plan to either decrease your risk or avoid health conditions altogether. Studies have shown that screenings can significantly reduce cancer morbidity and mortality, especially for cervical and prostate cancer. After all, prevention is better than having to cure. Likewise, early detection of diseases can prevent complications.
Preventive health screenings usually involve a variety of tests. How your doctor chooses which method to use depends on the body part, the condition being examined for, and the goal of the screening.
What Are Some Examples of Preventive Health Screenings?
1. Ultrasound
Apart from monitoring fetal health and development, an ultrasound can also detect tumors and artery blockages. It works by transmitting sound waves into your body. When the sound waves reach a tissue, bone, or fluid, it bounces back and projects an image.
2. CT Scan (Computed Tomography Scan)
A CT scan or computed tomography scan uses X-rays to produce a detailed cross-sectional image of your body. Doctors usually recommend CT scans for patients who may have skeletal and internal injuries, osteoporosis, infections, lung disease, chest pain, and heart disease.
3. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
If the goal of the diagnosis is to gather information about an internal organ’s real-time activity, an MRI would be the appropriate test. MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. It creates images by sending magnetic field and radio wave signals to a computer. MRI can be used to observe brain activity or blood flow in vessels.
4. Mammography
Mammograms are more purpose-specific tests for breast cancer. They use X-rays to create images that examine breasts for tumors and any abnormal growth. At Starling Diagnostics, we offer 3D mammography, which provides a more detailed, layered picture of the breast. With the 3D mammography method, it is much easier to distinguish whether a tumor is benign or cancerous.
Should I Undergo Preventive Health Screenings?
Preventive health screenings are not the same as going to a doctor for a regular check-up. It is always important to first consult your doctor about the necessity of undergoing screenings. Your doctor may recommend screening tests under the following circumstances:
- Suspicions for an illness that could lead to severe consequences for the patient
- Your doctor has identified an effective treatment for early-stage disease in case the result is positive
- If you have a family history for specific health conditions
- If you have a known exposure or lifestyle habits that increase your risk to chronic illness, such as smoking
- You have specific health risks for certain conditions based on your health history, family health history, lifestyle habits, age, or gender
Preventive Health Screenings in Bronx, NY
Preventive health screenings help you and your doctor predict and prevent diseases for which you may have a high risk. Asking your doctor about screenings can seem unnecessary, but its benefits are undeniable. It is a necessary conversation that will pay off by giving you a healthy future.
If you’re wondering whether preventive health screenings are for you, we can help you at Starling Diagnostics. We provide top-notch diagnostic services with state-of-the-art equipment and highly skilled and experienced board-certified radiologists. You may contact us at (718) 319-1610 for more information or schedule an appointment via our online request form.
