What are screening tests?
Screening tests are tests that detect the disease before having any symptoms. Due to these screening tests diseases detect at an early age and treated so that they do not reach the severe stage. The Goal of Screening Tests is the early detection of diseases and reduces the risk of diseases. Screening tests are not the same as diagnosis.
How screening tests are helpful?
Screening tests might not be 100% accurate as diagnostic tests but also helps in to find out the diseases. If screening tests will be done on time can help in detecting the problems in the early stages. It will help in curing the disease at an early stage.
Types of screening tests
There are essential screening tests that everyone should follow on the various diseases on the recommendation of doctors:-
- Blood pressure test:- Blood pressure is a screening test that measures the heart pump rate which helps to identify the pressure of blood. Blood pressure is a kind of measuring unit of blood which helps to detect the flow of blood against the wall of vessels. Hypertension is another meaning of high blood pressure. Indications of blood pressure are:-
- Severe headache.
- Severe anxiety.
- Shortness of breath.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: How does Menopause Age Calculator work?
The blood pressure measuring unit is Millimetres of mercury (mmHg). Normal blood pressure (BP) is 120/80 mmHg. If blood pressure is untreated then it could be dangerous or life-threatening. Blood pressure is measured by a blood pressure monitor. For people who are 18 years old or older their blood pressure remains ideal, also they face less risk of heart problems, also people of this age group should keep checking their blood pressure every 2 to 3 years. If you are 40 years old or older than this and even if you are younger than 40 and you are suffering from high blood pressure then you should check your blood pressure every week and take a healthy diet to keep you away from heart problems. The person who is having critical health issues should check their blood pressure every week even if it is high or low blood pressure.
- Cholesterol:- Cholesterol is like wax material that is found in our blood. Usually, people should check their cholesterol level in 1-2 years but, if it is a case of high cholesterol or low cholesterol then people should go for a cholesterol level test every week. A high level of cholesterol increases the high risks of heart attack, & blood clotting, etc., unhealthy cholesterol level includes:-
- Chronic kidney diseases.
- Diabetes
- HIV/AIDS
- Hypothyroidism
- Lupus
A cholesterol test is done by the lipid profile test under which blood tests are conducted & cholesterol tested. This test is also known as a lipid panel. Your liver and intestine combine to produce 80% of cholesterol to keep you healthy & the remaining 20% is produced by food. There are two types of cholesterol: bad cholesterol known as Low-density lipoprotein(LDL) & good cholesterol known as high-density lipoprotein(HDL).
- Cancer screening:-
- Breast cancer:- Breast cancer screening test refers to the test which helps a woman to know if she has any health-related problems. This screening test does not cure breast cancer but helps to detect it quickly, which can be treated at the correct time. Women should also perform monthly self-exams to check for changes in their breasts and should report any concerns to their doctor.
Cancer screening tests are:-.
- Skin cancer:- skin cancer is something you can check yourself for as if you have a spot on your skin that is abnormal to you. Skin cancer screening you can do with your naked eyes. Skin cancer is very common nowadays. Both men and women should perform monthly self-exams to check for changes in the skin, such as new or changing moles, and should have a dermatologist check their skin every 1-2 years and even early if they have any background of skin cancer or other risk factors.
- Lung cancer:- lung cancer screening test which is done only to recognize lung cancer so that cancer can be treated before time. Lung cancer screening nominates for people who are long-time smokers or those who do not have any symptoms(indication) of lung cancer. lung cancer screening tests help to detect lung cancer symptoms.
Lung cancer screening tests are:- low-dose computerized tomography(LDCT) scan is a machine that uses to find out about lung cancer. If lung cancer did not detect at an early stage then it develops to a severe level which is very dangerous to people. If cancer finds out at an early stage, it will cure with the treatment, which can detect small lung tumors that may not be visible on a regular chest X-ray.
- Prostate cancer:- Prostate gland is a part of the male reproductive system. The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland in males that generates a fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. Prostate cancer is common in people in age 50 or older.
Prostate cancer screening tests are:-
A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, which can detect changes in the prostate that could indicate cancer, and a digital rectal exam (DRE), which can physically check the prostate for any lumps or changes.
- Bone density:- Bone density is a test that measures the health and strength of your bones. Another name for low bone density is osteoporosis. Bone density tests are varying from bone scans. Low bone density risks are most common in senior women. As per the doctors, women should check their bone density at the age of 65 or older. Men should also consider a bone density test starting at age 70 or earlier if they have risk factors. Bone density tests are non-invasive and can be performed using X-rays, ultrasound, or dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).
- Vision and Hearing: Regular eye exams can detect vision problems, such as near-sightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, cataracts, and hearing exams can detect hearing loss, which can be generated by a range of factors including damage to the inner ear, noisy loud volumes, and earwax. Both men and women should have regular eye exams starting at age 40 or more frequently if they have vision problems or other risk factors, and hearing exams start at the age of 50 or more regularly if they have hearing problems or other risk factors.
- STD Screening: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that happen or originate due to sexual contact. Regular STD screening can detect STDs early, when they are most treatable, and can prevent the spread of the disease to others. Both men and women should be screened for STDs based on their sexual history and risk factors, which include having multiple partners, a history of STDs, or unprotected sex. STDs can be screened using blood, urine, or genital exams.
- Mental Health: Mental health is a very important factor in overall health and can be affected by a variety of factors, including stress, genetics, and life events. Regular mental health screenings can detect problems, such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, early and provide access to treatment. Both men and women should discuss their mental health with their doctor and seek regular mental health screenings if they have concerns or risk factors. Mental health screenings can be performed using questionnaires, interviews, or psychological tests.
It’s important to note that these are general guidelines & each person’s individual health needs may vary. It is best to discuss with a Psychiatrist to determine the appropriate screening schedule based on individual factors such as family history, lifestyle, and personal health status.
In conclusion, regular health screenings are crucial to preventative health care. Regular health problems discover the health problems before they become dangerous & it will help you to improve your health issues. Each & Every person needs to focus on their health and make screening tests a priority.
