6 important screening tests for common diseases

Life can sometimes be overwhelmingly busy, which is why it's important to be proactive about taking some time out to prioritise your health. Regular preventive screening can be the difference between a long, healthy life and one that's filled with preventable health problems.

Early detection gives you better options for treatment and more time to make informed decisions about managing your health better. Here are some of the vital physical health screening tests that you should be going for on a regular basis:

Blood pressure checks

"High blood pressure is known to be a major risk factor for heart disease and strokes and often shows no symptoms," says clinical cardiologist, Dr David Jankelow.

"A simple blood pressure test helps determine if you have high or even low blood pressure and allows you to act to better manage your blood pressure levels. By following clinical recommendations and living a healthier lifestyle, it is entirely possible to reduce risk and even prevent serious health problems further down the line," he adds.

In the case of hypertension, some studies indicate that even so much as a 10 mm Hg reduction of systolic blood pressure (the top measurement that determines the force a person's heart exerts on the walls of the arteries each time it beats) can help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease events like a heart attack by at least 20%, coronary heart disease by 17%, heart failure by 28%, stroke by 27% and even death by 13%.

Cholesterol tests

"Your cholesterol level is a good indication of your overall heart health," says Dr Jankelow "High levels of bad cholesterol (or LDL cholesterol) can increase your risk of heart disease. This measurement level should always be below 100," he adds.

A simple blood test known as a lipid panel or lipid profile measures your cholesterol levels and helps determine if you need to make some necessary lifestyle changes to better protect or improve your heart health. The test normally requires a fasting period beforehand for accuracy purposes, and that means that no foods or fluids will be permitted for up to 12 hours ahead of time.

"The test will determine the total cholesterol levels circulating in your blood - that being HDL or high-density lipoprotein, LDL or low-density lipoprotein and triglycerides. The test will also assess VLDL levels or very low-density lipoprotein. This is another form of 'bad cholesterol'," explains Dr Jankelow.

"The results will inform your physician about any potential risk for heart disease or potential for a stroke. High numbers will also prompt healthier lifestyle adjustment recommendations such as incorporating more exercise into your daily routine, avoidance of smoking and other tobacco products, maintaining a healthy weight, eating properly, managing stress, taking necessary medications and managing any blood pressure or blood sugar issues."

Diabetes screening

In a world where fast food is cheap, easily accessible and sometimes a convenient option for a busy schedule, diabetes is a fast-growing health concern. Early detection is key to managing such a disease and reduces your risk of serious health complications.

A quick blood test can determine if you are at risk and regular check-ups with your healthcare practitioner can help you manage the disease to prevent further complications.

Typical tests include:

• A1C Test - this measures average blood sugar levels (usually over a two- or three-month period). This test can show prediabetes or diabetes sugar levels.
• Fasting blood sugar test - this is usually done following an overnight fast (of no eating or drinking fluids). It can also give a healthcare provider an indication of prediabetes or diabetes conditions.
• Glucose tolerance test - this test measures blood sugar levels both before and after drinking a liquid that contains glucose. An overnight fast is required, and blood is drawn on the day of testing. Once the liquid has been ingested, blood sugar levels will be checked periodically - for example, after 1 hour, 2 hours and even after 3 hours.
• Random blood sugar test - this test measures blood sugar at the time of testing. No fasting is required, and it can be done at any time of day.

Weight or body mass index (BMI) assessments

This is a screening tool that measures the ratio of your height to your weight to estimate the amount of body fat you may have. The higher your BMI, the higher your risk for certain diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, gallstones, breathing problems, as well as certain cancers.

"Maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI) does not only reduce your risk of chronic diseases, improve your heart and respiratory health and give you better mobility, it also has a positive effect on your mental health. Feeling good about yourself naturally improves your self-esteem and also helps reduce your risk of depression."

Four simple tests in one sitting

The above four screening tests are included in Discovery's Health Check, which is fully covered annually for all members by the existing Screening and Prevention Benefit.

Your Health Check will show you how healthy you really are and help you and your healthcare practitioner decide on the next best actions to take.

Keeping up with your regular Health Checks is also likely to lower your healthcare costs over time. And, once all members (of 2 years and older) on your plan have completed a Health Check - or in the case of your little ones - a Kids Health Check or an Online Kids Health Review, the WELLTH Fund is automatically activated. In short, this is a once-off, additional risk benefit, offering families up to R10 000 in additional cover to understand and address their personal healthcare needs.

Cancer screening

Regular cancer screening tests, like mammograms, pap smears and colonoscopies help detect cancer early on, when treatment for such diseases is known to be much more effective and a lot less costly. Going for these checks can be life-saving and are vital in maintaining your overall health.

"Early cancer screening is an invaluable tool, in that it helps detect cancer at an earlier and often treatable stage. Regular screening can also detect pre-cancerous conditions that can be treated before they develop into cancer. It is always important to remember that many types of cancer do not present symptoms until they have advanced to later stages. By knowing your health status you can give yourself the chance of seeking early intervention and a far better outcome."

Eye examinations

Going for regular eye examinations is necessary to protect and maintain good vision and prevent eye disease. An annual eye test can help detect a range of eye conditions, from myopia (nearsightedness) to cataracts and macular degeneration.

A simple eye test can also offer insights into your current overall health status. Notable changes in your eyes can be indicative of other health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure. Like many other diseases, most eye diseases show no symptoms in their early stages, so it is vital that you keep up with these tests.

Putting your physical health screening off for another day is a health risk because later it could turn out to be too late. By knowing your health status and nipping potential health problems in the bud, you can take action and potentially save your life. So take a positive step towards better health and book your screening appointments today.

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