What is preventive screening?

Preventive screening refers to tests or examinations that are designed to detect potential health issues before they develop into more serious conditions. This proactive approach allows for early intervention, which can lead to better health outcomes and possibly prevent diseases from progressing. Preventive screenings can include a variety of specific tests depending on age, gender, risk factors, and health history, such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and blood pressure screenings.

While regular check-ups with a primary care physician and vaccinations play important roles in maintaining overall health, they do not encompass the full scope of what preventive screening entails. Additionally, therapies aimed at post-diagnosis recovery focus on treatment after a condition has already been identified rather than on prevention. Therefore, tests or examinations to identify early health issues capture the essence of what preventive screening is and its importance in public health and individual patient care.