Preventive Scan: Take a Proactive Approach to Your Health
Reviewed By: John Duncan, Ph.D.
Director of Operations at: VIASCAN
Preventive scans are medical imaging tests that are taken to look for early warning signs of health issues without any symptoms. When it comes to your health, the best way to prevent problems is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Preventive imaging is a different type of imaging that is not considered by many until symptoms exist, but rather aims at being proactive in preventing issues down the road. This blog discusses what preventive scans are, what they can find, which imaging is involved, and who may be most suited for having a scan as a component of a wellness plan.
What is a preventive health scan and why is it important?
Medical imaging used by a preventive health scan is done before any symptoms emerge, to search the body for early signs of future health problems. When ordered late after a person feels unwell, scans are considered an intervention to help address difficulties. By contrast, proactive scans are designed to provide a wider view of a person’s overall health status and wellbeing at a time when they may not be experiencing any problems. This is important because some conditions can get worse over time, and don’t show any warning signs in early stages. Many people feel better about their future health and peace of mind when they can discuss potentially troubling issues early with their physicians.
Just remember that preventive imaging should complement your health care plan, not take the place of regular checkups or your doctor’s advice within it.
Understanding Preventive Health Scans
Preventive health scans are imaging tests that are used to screen the body before a disease occurs or it appears. This will allow for individuals to be more aware of their health and enable earlier, more meaningful conversations with their physician.
How can a preventive scan find problems before they start?
Preventive scans are intended to identify any early indicators of health issues without symptoms ever appearing. This could be anything from unusual growths or organ structures to other subtle patterns that should be closely watched or discussed with a trusted doctor. Imaging sometimes can uncover information not obtainable on physical exam, since many conditions develop without symptoms in their initial stages. Be aware that a preventive scan does not diagnose anything but is a tool to collect information – any results must be taken very seriously with your doctor!
When interpreting the output of a preventative scan, it’s best to do so in conjunction with your physician, who will be able to see where the results fit in with your overall health status.
Conditions Preventive Scans Can Detect Early
When performing scans, you might spot something that appears unusual, or even an unusual pattern, one that needs to be observed closely. These results are only for reference purposes and should be used in conjunction with a diagnosis made by your doctor.
What kinds of imaging are part of a preventative health scan?
Depending on the areas of the body being scanned, the preventive health scans may consist of a number of different types of imaging. There are various methods of imaging a patient, such as using the CT scan to get detailed cross-section images and full-body imaging in one visit. Every type of imaging has a specific purpose, and the best type of imaging for one person may differ based on the person’s health history, family history, concerns, and interests. Talk to your provider before your visit about your goals, which will help you decide what kind of preventive imaging is best for you.
Types of Preventive Imaging Scans
There are several types of scans and medical imaging that help detect any anomaly early. Some of them are:
- CT scan for detailed, cross-sectional internal imaging.
- MRI is a painless scan that uses magnetic and radio waves to create detailed imaging.
- Whole-body scans to provide a wider health picture
- Specific area(s) of concern targeted for imaging
- The combination of therapies for personal health history and goals.
Who should have a preventive health scan?
For many people, preventive screening may be beneficial, but people’s needs and risks are different. A person who has a family history of certain conditions, a person who is curious about his or her health, or anybody who wants to check up on his or her health proactively may find that it is worth it. A doctor should always be consulted before he/she can decide if preventive imaging is a good fit for you and your current life stage. If you’re considering this proactive measure, help is available from the supportive preventive imaging services provided at ViaScan of Las Colinas, including CT and whole-body scans.
Who Can Benefit From Preventive Scanning?
- Individuals who have a family history of some of the conditions
- Proactive insight between regular checkups is desired by those.
- People who are interested in their health levels.
- Any individual wanting to delve into a more holistic preventative strategy.
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Conclusion
Preventive scans provide an up-to-date view of your health, before you can even feel a symptom. This proactive approach enables informed and thoughtful dialogue with your physician over time, whether you know what these scans can uncover or understand about the various imaging types available. At ViaScan of Las Colinas, we provide supportive preventive imaging, such as CT scans and whole-body scans, that will help you take proactive steps toward your health.
Director of Operations at : VIASCAN
John Duncan, Ph.D., has been a leading expert in preventive cardiology for over 20 years. He has dedicated his career to helping thousands of people take control of their health before problems arise.
After working at the Cooper Institute for 15 years, he founded ViaScan, where he has helped tens of thousands of patients gain insight into their health through early detection of cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
