Preventive Health Screenings

Screenings are tests to look for a specific health condition or disease in people who don’t have any symptoms of disease. They are an important part of preventive care and staying healthy. Getting screened regularly can help detect diseases early, before they develop into more serious problems. Early detection can help you get treated as soon as possible, when diseases may be easier to treat. When you get screened, you can work with your primary care provider (PCP) on making a plan to keep you healthy, such as making healthy habit changes or starting medicines or undergoing further tests or treatments to lower your risk or prevent the condition from getting worse.

Your PCP may recommend specific screenings based on your:

• Age
• Sex assigned at birth
• Personal and family health history
• Risk factors for certain diseases

There are several types of screenings that your PCP may recommend:

Screenings for Cancer

Getting screened for cancer can find problems early, when they may be easier to treat or cure. For example, cancer screening can help your primary care provider (PCP) find abnormal cells or cancer at an early stage before symptoms even appear. Learn more.

Screening for Bone Health

Osteoporosis is a condition that makes bones weak and more likely to break. While most broken bones are caused by falls, osteoporosis weakens bones so that they break more easily (for example, by bumping into something). Many people with osteoporosis don’t know they have osteoporosis until they break a bone. 

Osteoporosis screening

Bone density tests, also called DEXA scans, can help you find out if you have osteoporosis. Bone density tests measure the strength and thickness of your bones. They can tell you if your bone density is improving, worsening or staying the same. Bone density tests help you and your primary care provider (PCP) understand what steps you can take to prevent bone breaks and stay healthy.

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to learn more about bone density tests.

Who needs osteoporosis screening

Everyone’s bones get weaker as they get older, but some people’s bones get weaker earlier than others. Talk to your primary care provider (PCP) about getting tested for osteoporosis if you:

• Are not physically active.
• Smoke or drink alcohol often.
• Are postmenopausal (have not had your period in over a year).
• Weigh less than 127 pounds.
• Have a personal or family history of bone breaks.
• Have a personal history of cancer, autoimmune diseases, thyroid disease, or kidney or liver disease.
• Take steroids or certain medicines for seizures, gastric reflux or cancer.
• Are 65 years old or older.

Improving bone health

If you have osteoporosis, there are healthy lifestyle changes you can make and medicines you can take to lower your chances of breaking a bone. Work with your PCP to make a plan that is right for you.

To improve your bone health:

• Eat a healthy diet that includes calcium, vitamin D, potassium and protein (such as dairy products, dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, potatoes or fish).
• Focus on balance and strength exercises that help maintain your balance and strengthen your bones, such as tai chi and lifting weights. Explore with your PCP what exercise is best for you.
• Limit caffeine and alcohol use.
• Tobacco use can increase your risk for bone loss and lead to longer healing times after breaking a bone.
• Learn how you can decrease your risk of falls.
• Talk with your PCP to see if you should take medicine for osteoporosis. If you are prescribed medicine, be sure to take your medicine as discussed with your PCP.

Learn more about preventive health