Subscribing to a healthy lifestyle can prevent the onset of some diseases. However, some diseases cannot be stymied, but can be treated if detected early on. This highlights the importance of comprehensive examinations to help ensure you’re in great overall health. A screening test is a vital component in these examinations and is currently the best way to detect the early stages of diseases.

Here at Neighborhood Primary Care in Lake Orion, MI, we offer various screening tests under the guidance of Dr. Joseph Gorz.

Importance of Screening

As mentioned, a screening test has the potential of detecting diseases as well as other health disorders that may not present any symptoms to the person. The goal of going through a screening test is to catch the disease in its early stages so that the risks and threats can be minimized effectively through proper treatment.

Currently, screening tests are the best way to uncover medical conditions in their early stages and determine whether treatments are possible. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), half of new cancer cases can be prevented or discovered by screening.

Screening tests also show the risk factors involved in the development of a disease in a particular person. This allows you to initiate lifestyle changes that can increase your chances of preventing or limiting the damage of the disease. Doctors can also use screening test results as a basis for medical information that can help in your treatment.

Low-Dose CT Scan

From the 1950s, links between smoking and lung cancer have been established. Unfortunately, there was no safe and reliable way to screen patients who had the highest risks in developing the disease. It wasn’t until 2011 when the use of low-dose CT screening was first used for current and former smokers.

Trials done by the National Lung Screening multicenter revealed that a reduction of 20% of lung cancer-related deaths could be achieved with low-dose CT scans. This test can be completed in less than five minutes.

CT Scan for Cardiovascular Disease

This helps in finding calcium deposits in plaque of people who have heart disease. This is by far the most effective way to discover atherosclerosis before any symptoms can develop. Put simply, when there is heightened coronary calcium, there is more coronary atherosclerosis. This means there is a higher risk of cardiovascular problems.

Colonoscopy

This screening test is utilized for investigating problems associated with the large intestine or the colon. Colon cancer or colon polyps are common hidden problems of the colon that can be uncovered with colonoscopy. It is commonly recommended for people who are at least 50 years old or if you have a high risk of developing cancer or polyps in the colon.

Mammography

This screening test helps in the detection of early breast cancer. This is particularly helpful when no symptoms of the disease manifest. Most of the time, this screening is done together with a clinical breast examination. It is recommended for women who are at least 50 years old to get a mammography every two years.

Genetic Testing

This test identifies any changes in the genes, proteins, or chromosomes. The result of the genetic testing screening helps in confirming or ruling out potential genetic conditions. It can also help to determine the chances of a person in passing on or developing certain genetic disorders.

For More Details or Questions About Screening Tests, Call Us

Dial (248) 690-9181 to schedule an appointment.

The information is provided to you by Dr. Joe Gorz at Neighborhood Primary Care.