Top 5 Health Screening Myths Debunked

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Health screening is often the most misunderstood word in the world of healthcare. A preventive health check-up or health screening is for healthy individuals and is the most effective way to detect underlying diseases and conditions early. It helps you be aware of your health risks and get the right treatment at the right time to avoid life-threatening consequences. 

However, in a country like India, the voluntary adoption of preventive health care is bleak, and the word health screening is often confused as a routine health check-up or a diagnostic test. This misconception also gives rise to scepticism about the effectiveness and the credibility of preventive health check-up. 

Hence, we are in a catch 22 situation where lack of awareness gives rise to several myths surrounding health screening and preventive health care, which, in turn, is to be blamed for the lack of early adoption of preventive health check-up in our country. So, we have decided to help you, understand what a health screening is by debunking 5 of the most common misconceptions that cloud its reality.  

Myth 1: Once cleared during a previous preventive health check-up, one doesn’t need a health screening again.

Fact: It is the most commonly mistaken belief that makes the adoption of health screening less effective. A safe result from your previous health screening does not mean you are clear of health risks today. Your last health screening declared you safe, based on your health condition while taking the screening test. Certain lifestyle diseases like hypertension, diabetes mellitus and cancer are more likely to develop with age. Thus, regular health screening is needed to detect these life-threatening conditions that may have emerged after your previous screening. A health screening or a preventive health check-up is not a one-time activity; it is a routine application, which helps you take charge of your life.

Myth 2: It’s enough to go for a preventive health check-up or health screening once every 3 years.

Fact: It is yet another myth, which needs to be busted right away.  The timing and frequency of your health screening should be determined basis your doctors’ advice. Several factors play a role in deciding when you should go for a preventive health check and how often you need one. Your family physician will assess your health risks basis your age, race, gender, genes and personal medical history, and assist you further.

Myth 3: Going for a basic preventive health check-up or health screening is enough. 

Fact: Even though a basic health check-up is generally enough for younger people with no personal or family history of medical conditions, it may not be sufficient for older patients or those with existing health issues. A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work when it comes to health screening it needs to be tailored, keeping in mind the risk factors of an individual. Thus, checking with your family physician is the best way to understand which health screening package one should choose.

Myth 4: When feeling fine, one doesn’t need to go for a health screening.

Fact: On the contrary, a health screening is for healthy, asymptomatic individuals who want to ascertain their health risks to stay a step ahead of diseases. A Health screening or preventive health check-up picks up a medical condition at an early stage when it presents no visible signs or symptoms of the disease. So, the best time to go for a health screening is when you look and feel completely healthy. 

Myth 5: Health screening is uncomfortable and can be a painful process.

Fact: It is due to this misconception that voluntary adoption of early screening is so low in our country. Even after knowing the credibility of various health screening tests in catching diseases early, people often avoid them due to the fear of pain and discomfort. One must remember that not all screening tests are unpleasant. There are only a select few procedures that can be painful. Even then, the presence of advanced technology and experienced staff can help alleviate the pain and discomfort to a great extent.

So, wait no longer, adopt preventive health care and invest in your health today, to live a long and disease-free life tomorrow. Early screening saves live. Get yourself screened now. 

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