Did you know that 90% of U.S. healthcare spending (over 1 trillion dollars) goes toward treating preventable health conditions? These conditions include diabetes, heart disease and stroke, obesity, dementia, and cancer. While a healthy lifestyle is the easiest and cheapest way to reduce your risk, regular health screenings can help to find conditions early when they are treatable. This week on Fox 17, Dr. Bitner discusses different types of health screenings and what each means for your health.

Fact #1: 

Prevention is the best cure, and understanding what your results mean can make it less anxiety-provoking to get the tests done. Let’s review the basics. If you want to live a high-quality life with energy and confidence, know your risks and get tested.

Types of Tests & Screenings

Fasting Blood Test

Screening blood tests are often paid for by your insurance without copays. A blood test will include: 

• Lipid Test: This test measures total cholesterol. Your goal should be a cholesterol score of less than 200, LDL less than 100, and Triglycerides (the fat from sugar and processed food) less than 150.
• Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP): This panel scans overall kidney and liver health and function by measuring the body’s fluid balance, sodium, and potassium. The goal is to score less than 100.
• Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test measures overall health by measuring hemoglobin (red blood cells). It is especially useful if you are sick and doctors need additional information to make the correct diagnosis. 
• A1C: An A1C measures your average blood sugar over three months. This test can also diagnose prediabetes or diabetes.  
• TSH/T4/T3: Thyroid function tests measure TSH, T4, and T3 in your blood and check for thyroid dysfunction. The thyroid is essential for overall metabolic function and can be easily treated for irregularities. 

Mammogram

Mammograms (MMG) are the gold standard for breast cancer screenings and recommended yearly for patients over 50. Results include breast density and a BIRADS score. Dense breasts can make cancer detection difficult and increase your risk of cancer. BIRADS categories range from 1 (not cancer) to 6 (high likelihood of cancer). 

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopies are the gold standard of testing and involve having a bowel prep followed by a procedure where a camera is inserted to examine the walls of your colon and rectum. Colonoscopies are recommended every ten years but could be more frequent if abnormal cells are found. Another option is a Cologuard Stool Test, which involves sending a sample of your bowel movements to a lab. The test looks for cancer cell DNA and blood. If this test is negative, it is recommended that you repeat testing every three years. If the Cologuard test is positive, your provider will schedule a follow-up colonoscopy. 

PAP smear

Pap smears collect cells from the cervix to look for any changes or abnormalities that might indicate cervical cancer. After age 30, an HPV test is included to test for the presence of high-risk HPV. Pap smears are recommended every 3-5 years after age 21 or yearly for those at a higher risk. 

DEXA Scan

DEXA, dual X-ray absorptiometry, is recommended at the onset of menopause. This test scans your bones to measure bone thinning and assess osteoporosis risk. Most people, depending on the results, complete a DEXA screening every three years.

Patient Story: 

Jane, 49, came in for her annual visit to follow up on her recent health screenings. Before her visit, she had an MMG, DEXA, and fasting blood work completed. She was planning on reviewing her blood work and having a GYN exam even though she was not due for a PAP smear. 

Jane was excited to see good results on her bone density scan, especially since she had a family history of osteoporosis. Her bone density DEXA showed osteopenia, meaning she had only a slightly elevated risk of fracture. Jane’s LDL was also lower than the previous year, lowering her overall risk for heart disease. Her blood sugar A1C, which had been creeping up to 5.7, was now back to 5.5, and all her other numbers were in perfect range. Lastly, Jane’s MMG showed BIRADS 2 (benign, non-cancerous findings) and B for her breast density score (scattered density and a lower cancer risk).  

Overall, Jane was in a good place and on track to have a low risk of chronic illness. She planned to continue her daily exercise routine and take estrogen, vitamin D, and calcium. Jane was very proud of herself and glad she had the courage to look at her reports. Knowledge is power!

Health Tip of the Week: 

Understanding your chronic disease risks is important if you want to live a long, high-quality life. Prevention is possible! Schedule routine screenings and tests to know your risks and find conditions early when they are treatable. Age 50 determines what age 80 will look like. Taking care of your body now will set you up for future success! 

Watch the full segment.