The True Value of Prevention

Preventive healthcare remains the cornerstone of longevity and quality of life. By identifying risk factors and detecting disease in its earliest stages, we can intervene before symptoms develop, often with simpler, less invasive treatments and better outcomes.

At [Practice Name], we believe in prevention that is personalised, evidence-based, and free from unnecessary testing. Our approach focuses on interventions proven to save lives while avoiding the physical, emotional, and financial costs of excessive screening.

Core Preventive Screenings: What Science Supports

Essential Blood Tests and Recommended Frequencies

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)
  Every 1 to 3 years for healthy adults
  Screens for anaemia, infection, and blood disorders. More frequent testing provides minimal additional benefit.

• Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
  Every 1 to 3 years
  Assesses kidney and liver function, electrolyte balance, and glucose levels.

• Lipid Profile
  Every 4 to 6 years for average risk; annually for those with risk factors
  Guidelines show clear mortality benefit for targeted cholesterol monitoring.

• Hemoglobin A1C
  Every 3 years after age 45; more frequently with risk factors
  Identifies prediabetes and diabetes before symptoms appear.

• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
  Every 5 years after age 35; more frequently with symptoms
  Detects thyroid dysfunction, which affects multiple body systems.

• C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
  Based on cardiovascular risk assessment
  Helps refine risk prediction in individuals at moderate cardiovascular risk.

• Vitamin D
  As clinically indicated, not routinely
  Targeted testing for those with risk factors for deficiency.

Cancer Screenings That Save Lives

• Colonoscopy
  Age 45 to 75: every 10 years for average risk. Earlier or more frequent for high-risk individuals.
  Reduces colorectal cancer mortality by 60 to 70 percent through removal of precancerous polyps.

• Mammography
  Age 40 to 75: every 1 to 2 years based on personal risk
  Reduces breast cancer mortality by 20 to 40 percent with appropriate screening.

• Cervical Cancer Screening
  Age 21 to 29: Pap test every 3 years
  Age 30 to 65: Pap and HPV every 5 years, or HPV alone every 5 years
  Highly effective at detecting precancerous changes before progression.

• Prostate Cancer Screening
  Age 55 to 69: individualised decision after discussion
  Modest mortality benefit; must be balanced against potential risks.

• Lung Cancer Screening
  Ages 50 to 80 with a 20 pack-year or greater smoking history: annual low-dose CT scan
  Shown to reduce lung cancer mortality by 20 percent in appropriate candidates.

Cardiovascular Assessments: Beyond Basic Tests

• Cardiac Calcium Scoring
  For adults with intermediate cardiovascular risk
  Helps reclassify risk and guide intensity of prevention efforts.

• Carotid Ultrasound
  For individuals with risk factors or a family history of stroke
  Identifies plaque buildup before symptoms occur; not recommended for universal screening.

• Advanced Lipid Testing
  For selected patients with a family history or unusual cholesterol profiles
  Offers additional risk stratification beyond standard lipid panels.

• Cardiovascular MRI
  Not recommended as a routine screening tool; useful for diagnosis
  Limited evidence for use in people without symptoms.

• Exercise Stress Testing
  For people beginning high-intensity exercise after a sedentary lifestyle
  Not recommended for general screening; useful when guided by symptoms or clinical judgement.