The details
Primary care physicians recommend various screening tests based on age; sex; family history; comorbid conditions, such as obesity and diabetes; and environmental risk factors, such as smoking.
“An appointment with a primary care provider can identify your personal risk factors and what you should be screened for,” Bagley said in an email to Community Impact. “Different societies might have slightly different recommendations and guidelines, and selecting the best test and testing interval for your individualized risk factors is where your primary care physician can guide you.”
Digging deeper
Below is an overview of some basic screening guidelines; however, there are more advanced and nuanced guidelines for certain populations.
“It is important to keep in mind that screening is for asymptomatic individuals, and anyone with symptoms of cancer or a chronic disease should be seen by a primary care provider for specific testing as soon as possible,” Bagley noted.
