Regular health screenings are one of the most important steps you can take to protect your health. For some people, health screening can feel anxiety-provoking, but it’s important to remember that it is a valuable tool for detecting health issues early, when treatment is often more effective, and outcomes are better. Screening helps ensure that potential problems are caught at the right time, allowing for timely intervention and peace of mind. 

The NHS offers a range of screening programmes designed to detect health issues early and reduce the risk of serious conditions. These include screenings for breast cancer (mammograms for women aged 50–70), cervical cancer (smears for women aged 25–64), bowel cancer (stool samples and colonoscopies for those aged 60–74), diabetes (blood tests for those at risk and eye screening), and aortic aneurysm (ultrasound for men aged 65).

What is Health Screening?

Health screening is a proactive approach to healthcare. It involves tests or exams to detect health conditions that may not yet show any symptoms. These screenings are typically recommended at regular intervals based on your age, gender, medical history, and risk factors.

Why Is Health Screening Important?

Health screenings help detect early signs of disease, enabling timely intervention. Some key benefits include:

• Prevention: Some screenings can help prevent conditions before they develop. For example, by detecting precancerous changes in cells or high blood pressure, interventions can reduce the risk of serious diseases such as cancer or heart disease.
• Early Detection: Identifying health conditions in their early stages often leads to more successful treatment. Early treatment can stop a disease from progressing and improve the chances of recovery.
• Improved Health Outcomes: Regular screenings contribute to a healthier population by reducing the risk of complications.

Common Health Screenings You Should Consider

Different screenings are recommended based on your age, gender, and risk factors. Some of the most common screenings include:

• Blood Pressure Screening: High blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. High blood pressure doesn’t often cause any symptoms which is why periodic checks are so important.
• Cholesterol and Blood Sugar Tests: High cholesterol and diabetes are common risk factors for heart disease. Early detection helps to identify if you have these conditions or could be at risk.
• Breast Cancer Screening: Mammograms are used to detect breast cancer early in women, typically starting at age 50 or earlier if you have risk factors.
• Colon Cancer Screening: FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test) is a test that looks for blood in a sample of your poo. It looks for tiny traces of blood that you might not be able to see, and which could be a sign of cancer.
• Skin Cancer Screening: Regular checks of your skin by a healthcare provider can detect melanoma or other types of skin cancer. See the following link for some additional advice: ABCDEasy-Leaflet.pdf
• Vision and Hearing Tests: Regular vision and hearing checks help detect issues that could impact your quality of life. This is particularly important if you have diabetes. You can discuss this directly with your optician.

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month – January

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, a time to focus on the importance of cervical cancer screening and the role it plays in prevention. Cervical cancer can often be prevented with regular screening, which detects early signs of abnormal cell changes caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Early detection and treatment can prevent these changes from developing into cancer.

• Screening Guidelines: The UK National Health Service (NHS) recommends cervical screening for women between the ages of 25 and 64, with testing every 3 years for those 25–49 and every 5 years for those aged 50–64.
• HPV Vaccination: The HPV vaccine, which is offered to young people, helps protect against the most common types of HPV that cause cervical cancer.
• Why It’s Important: Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers due to early screening and vaccination programs. Regular cervical screening can identify abnormal cells before they develop into cancer, greatly improving the likelihood of successful treatment.

If you are due for cervical screening or have concerns, now is the perfect time to make an appointment with your GP or nurse.

How to Make the Most of Your Health Screenings

1. Stay Informed: Stay updated on recommended screening schedules and understand which screenings are most relevant to you.
2. Don’t Skip Appointments: Skipping screenings can result in missed opportunities for early intervention. Even if you feel healthy, many conditions develop silently.
3. Be Honest with Your Provider: Discuss your family health history and any concerns you have. This helps your healthcare provider offer the best advice and ensure you’re getting the screenings you need.
4. Encourage Others: Remind your loved ones to schedule their health screenings as well. Sometimes a gentle reminder can make a big difference.

What to Remember

• Health screening saves lives: Early detection can lead to successful treatment and, in many cases, prevent serious health problems altogether.
• Prevention is better than cure: Regular health screenings can prevent conditions from worsening and even prevent some diseases from developing in the first place.
• Make it a priority: Schedule your screenings and encourage those around you to do the same. It’s an easy step to take that can have a significant impact on your health.

Contact Information

If you are due for a health screening or have questions about what tests are right for you, contact your GP or healthcare provider. They can guide you on the appropriate screenings based on your individual health needs. Please see further information regarding NHS screening programmes on the following link NHS screening – NHS.

This leaflet is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised guidance based on your health needs.

Together, we can reduce the impact of preventable diseases through awareness, prevention, and early detection.

Dr Mark McMahon
Occupational Health Physician
OH3 Ltd