COMMON SCREENING TESTS

Physical Examination

A physical examination is a routine examination performed by a doctor to determine overall health and may include a lifestyle consultation and body composition measures, it is not restricted to taking place when an individual is ill.

Often during a physical examination, a doctor will perform cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure screening tests.

Blood sugar screening (A1C test or glycated haemoglobin test)

A blood sugar screening measures blood glucose to determine how much sugar is in blood. The test can show blood sugar levels for the previous two months and help diagnose prediabetes, type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Once diabetes has been identified, this test can also be used to monitor the condition and determine how lifestyle adjustments and treatment plans are impacting on it.

Cholesterol screening (lipid panel or lipid profile)

A cholesterol test is a blood test which measures the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in blood.

High cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease, however, there are generally no symptoms of high cholesterol so regular screening is important for diagnosis and treatment.

Men are advised to begin cholesterol screening from 35+, while women are advised to screen for cholesterol from 45+. Both men and women should be screened at an earlier age if they have a family history of heart disease or diabetes.

Blood pressure screening

A blood pressure test measures the force of blood against the artery walls both when the heart beats and when it is at rest (systolic and diastolic, respectively) and can determine if an individual has hypertension (high blood pressure) or hypotension (low blood pressure).

Hypertension is a risk factor for heart attack and stroke, as high blood pressure may display no symptoms it is important to get tested regularly.

Adults over 40 years of age should have their blood pressure tested at least every 5 years, more frequently if already diagnosed with high or low blood pressure.

During a physical examination, a doctor may also do a complete blood count and a complete metabolic panel, which tests plasma and can indicate kidney, liver, blood chemistry, and immune system irregularities.

Have you ever had your blood pressure taken ?

Other screening blood tests

Thyroid function test
Thyroid function tests are a series of blood tests used to measure how well your thyroid gland is working.

Liver function test
Liver function tests help determine the health of the liver by measuring the levels of proteins, liver enzymes, and bilirubin in blood.

Kidney function test
Blood and urine tests which can identify kidney problems.

Cardiovascular examination

A cardiovascular examination may be performed as part of a physical examination, as a follow-up to a cholesterol or blood pressure screening or if chest pain is experienced.

Common screening tests as part of a cardiovascular examination include:

Electrocardiography (ECG or EKG)

Measures the hearts electrical activity and shows the hearts rate and rhythm, allowing a doctor to check for cardiac arrhythmias, palpitations and the effectiveness of medication.

Cardiac stress test (exercise electrocardiogram)

Involves exercising at increasing levels of difficulty, while heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure and electrical activity are monitored for adequate blood flow to the heart, while under stress.

Echocardiogram (echo)

An echocardiogram is a simple test which uses ultrasound to take a picture of the heart, allowing a doctor to see how the heart muscle and valves are functioning.

Cancer screening

Cancer screening can help find cancer before any symptoms appear, leading to improved treatment outcomes. There are several cancer screening tests:

Prostate screening

Prostate screening is used to detect undiagnosed prostate cancer in men. A doctor will carry out a physical examination and a blood test to measure Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA).

PSA is a protein produced by both cancerous and noncancerous tissue in the prostate. If a screening shows PSA levels are higher than normal, it can

sometimes be a sign of prostate cancer, but often it can be a sign of a less serious condition like an enlarged or inflamed prostate.

Men should speak with their doctor regarding frequency for prostate cancer screening, generally it is recommended that men aged 50+ are screened annually or earlier where a family history exists.

DID YOU KNOW:

If caught early prostate cancer is one of the most treatable malignancies.
Breast cancer screening is vital even if you don’t have risk factors

Breast exam

A breast exam checks for abnormal breast changes. A doctor may perform a breast exam as part of a routine physical examination. Women should be aware of how their breasts look and feel and speak with their doctor immediately if any changes are noticed.

Pap smear

A Pap smear is a screening procedure for cervical cancer. It tests for the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells on the cervix. Individuals should speak with their doctor regarding pap smear frequency.

Mammogram

Mammograms are used as a screening tool, on a routine basis, to detect breast cancer in women at an early stage, before symptoms are experienced.

In women with an average risk for breast cancer, aged 45+, a mammogram is recommended every two years, earlier and more frequent testing may be recommended based on medical history.

If an individual has a family history of breast cancer, a doctor may recommend BRCA testing. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genetic screening tests which can establish if there is a genetic predisposition to breast or ovarian cancer.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a procedure that enables a doctor to evaluate the inside of the colon and screen for colon cancer. It is recommended that individuals aged 50+ have a colonoscopy every 5 years or earlier where a family history exists.

Faecal occult test

A faecal occult blood test detects traces of blood in the stool and can indicate the presence of colon cancer or precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum, before any symptoms are experienced. Faecal occult blood tests, if recommended by a doctor, are generally performed annually.

Bone densitometry

Bone densitometry measures the density of bone and is used primarily to detect osteoporosis in older women. Bone density screening normally begins at approximately age 65, or earlier if a woman has a history of fractures. It is recommended that individuals speak with their doctor regarding the risks and benefits.