Why screening tests are important

What kind of health screening tests should I go for? The Screening Test Review Committee comprising representatives from the Academy of Medicine, Singapore and the Health Promotion Board classifies 1 the various types of screening tests based on the following: Type 1 Beneficial for everyone: These tests are listed in Table A.

Type 2 Beneficial for some but not others: Decision to be made on an 'individual' level, based on your individual risk factors e. Type 3 Not recommended for screening: Currently, there is not enough information to support the use of these tests. Where can I go for health screening? Is It Allergy? Mar 19, Recommended for 2. Screening frequency 3. Once every two years or more frequently as advised by your doctor. Diabetes mellitus Hyperlipidaemia High blood cholesterol. Fasting blood glucose Fasting lipids.

Take Action: Get Ready Talk with your doctor or nurse about which screening tests are right for you. Find out which screenings you may need. Make a list of questions to ask your doctor. When you visit the doctor, it helps to write down your questions ahead of time. Check out these questions for the doctor about screenings for: Breast cancer Colorectal cancer HIV Hepatitis C Lung cancer Prostate cancer You can also use this tool to build your own list of questions for the doctor.

Ask your doctor about the risks and benefits. Your doctor can help you decide if the benefits of the screening outweigh the risks for you. Make sure you get the results from every screening. Take Action: Cost and Insurance What about cost? You can also: Find out which services are covered under the Affordable Care Act Find out which screenings are covered by Medicare If you don't have insurance, you can still get important screening tests.

Early detection of diseases results in better management and treatment of the disease, which decreases the risk of complications and increases the chances of better health outcomes.

Age is one of the major risk factors for various life-altering disorders but with the option of early detection and treatment, your body can have the best defense against these diseases. If you have a family history of diabetes, cardiovascular disease or stroke, then health screening can help you with the process of prevention and provide you with timely treatments. Things to Expect from Health Screening Before you go in for health screening, it is important to understand the process so you are better prepared.

Here are some of the tests that are commonly conducted during health screenings: Blood Pressure Test — This is one of the most important tests your physician will conduct. In case your blood pressure is tested high, you may have to undergo further tests to detect the cause. Cholesterol Tests — If you are obese, frequently drink alcohol or smoke, your doctor will check your cholesterol level. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.

Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. But there are a lot of questions surrounding health screenings — like what health screenings should I get, and are they really necessary? Healthcare providers offer health screening tests for medical conditions based on the following criteria:.

Colorectal cancer, for example, is a health condition that meets the above criteria.