Health Screening

• Regular screenings aid in the early detection of disease.
• Early detection can improve treatment outcomes and reduce morbidity/mortality.
• Screenings are medical procedures or tests for asymptomatic populations, evaluating the risk/likelihood of developing a disease or disorder.
• Screenings are not diagnostic, but identify a subset of the population for further diagnostic testing.
• Good screening tests target diseases that cause significant morbidity/mortality and are prevalent in the population.

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)

• CVD is the leading cause of death in the US.
• A major risk factor for CVD exists.
• Long-term, this can lead to increased risk for heart disease, kidney failure, stroke, and premature mortality.

Cancer

• Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally (second to heart disease in the US).
• Annually, there are approximately 20 million new cancer cases and 10 million cancer-related deaths worldwide.
• Many cancers grow slowly and may not show obvious symptoms until they have progressed significantly.
• Screenings can help detect breast, cervical, prostate, colon, and lung cancer.

Type 2 Diabetes

• Type 2 Diabetes affects more than 30 million people in the US.
• Type 2 Diabetes symptoms may be mild/vague in the early stages, going undetected for years.
• Untreated diabetes can lead to severe complications, like heart disease, kidney failure, and nerve damage.

Breast Cancer Screenings

• Monthly self-exams are part of breast cancer screening.
• For average-risk individuals:
  • Biennial screening mammography is recommended for ages 40-74.
  • Shared decision-making with a provider is recommended for ages 75+.
• For high-risk individuals, annual screening mammography should start at age 30.

Colon Cancer Screenings

• For average-risk individuals:
  • Regular screenings are recommended from ages 45-75.
  • Shared decision-making with a provider is recommended for ages 75+.
  • Screening frequency depends on the chosen method.
• For high-risk individuals:
  • Those with a 1st-degree relative with colon cancer should begin screening 10 years prior to the relative's diagnosis age.

Prostate Cancer Screenings

• For individuals aged 55-69, shared decision-making with a physician is recommended.
• For individuals aged 70+, screening is recommended.
• Risk factors such as older age, African American descent, and family history should be considered when making personal decisions.

Hypertension Screenings

• For average-risk individuals:
  • Screening is recommended every 3-5 years for those aged 18-39.
  • Screening is recommended annually for those aged 40+.
• For higher-risk individuals, annual screenings are recommended for those aged 40+.
• Any in-office blood pressure measurement (OBPM) should be confirmed with non-clinical setting measurements.

Type 1 Diabetes Screenings

• Recognizing the need for screening is crucial.
• Identifying the disease before symptoms appear is important.
• Early consensus recommends screening between ages 2-6.
• Type 1 Diabetes is not exclusively a childhood diagnosis or familial.

Type 2 Diabetes Screenings

• Testing is recommended for individuals aged 35-70 who are overweight or obese.
• A glucose test every 3 years with normal results is recommended.
• Detection of pre-diabetes allows for weight reduction interventions.

Screening Importance, Action and Barriers

• Early detection screenings with self-exams and education allows for proactivity.
• Early detections can improve treatment for diseases like breast cancer, colon cancer, hypertension, and diabetes.
• Survival rates increase with early detection.
• The BRCA1 gene is linked with breast and ovarian cancer; those with a family history may need genetic testing.
• Early detection of the BRCA1 gene can help act accordingly in regards to treatment.
• BRCA1 detection with double mastectomy surgery can reduce breast cancer risk by 90-95%.

Barriers

• Financial constraints can limit access through policy changes, public health programs, and sliding scale fees.
• Lack of awareness and education can be addressed through campaigns, and emphasizing the health profession's role.
• Geographic barriers can be overcome with mobile screening units, telemedicine, and partnerships with local organizations.
• Cultural and linguistic barriers can be addressed through cultural competency training, interpreter services, and community health workers.
• Psychosocial barriers (fear, stigma, misinformation) Normalization and de-stigmatization Patient Support Systems
• Time and Convenience Barriers Flexible Time Simplified Appointment Schedule Workplace Screening
• Disability or Special Needs Accessible Facilities Specialized Screenings
• Screenings and adequate care for chronic conditions are important, so timely intervention is key.
• Diseases may not show symptoms until they are advanced, leading to invasive and life-altering treatments.
• Early risk assessment and lifestyle changes save healthcare costs.
• Providers can provide education, help find support systems, and offer encouragement.

Explore the primary purposes of health screenings in asymptomatic individuals and the importance of early detection in disease management. Learn about suitable conditions for screening programs and the significance of cancer screenings. Understand genetic testing relevance and risk reduction interventions.