Aspirus Health Updates Screening Guidelines to Promote Early Detection and Prevention
10/7/2024
Dr. Kristi Wegener, Aspirus Family Medicine Physician
In honor of National Primary
Care Week (October 7-11), Aspirus Health urges individuals to take charge
of their health by seeing their primary care provider for an annual exam.
Keeping up with check-ups helps ensure you are also up-to-date on important
health screenings. Early detection through screenings can be lifesaving,
helping prevent serious illnesses before they develop and ensuring better
outcomes for treatment and long-term wellness.
To make early
detection more accessible, Aspirus has recently updated its screening
guidelines to reflect the latest medical recommendations.
“Regular health
screenings are incredibly important,” says Kristi
Wegener, MD, a Family Medicine Physician at Aspirus Health. “Screenings are
designed to catch diseases that are most likely to occur at specific ages and
finding them early makes treatment more effective. It’s important to regularly
discuss with your physician which screenings are right for you.”
Aspirus Health
recommends the following screenings to stay proactive about your health:
- Cholesterol, HDL,
LDL, and triglycerides – Every five years, depending on risk
- General physical
exam – Every two to three years
- Immunizations – Vary
based on vaccine:
- Rubella:
once if necessary
- Diphtheria-Tetanus:
every 10 years
- Influenza:
annually
- Pneumococcal:
once after age 65
- Colon cancer
screening – Begin at age 45 for average risk
- Lung cancer
screening – Based on risk; ask your provider about low-dose CT scans
- Breast cancer
screening – Annually starting at age 40
- Pap smear – Every
three years without HPV testing, or every five years with HPV testing
- Bone density
screening – Baseline at age 65
One notable update
is the guideline for colon cancer screening, which now begins at age 45. “We’ve
been seeing colon cancer in younger people,” Dr. Wegener explains. “This
adjustment reflects the need for earlier detection, especially for those with a
family history of the disease.”
To foster comfort in
discussing screening needs, Dr. Wegener encourages open conversations between
patients and providers: “Understanding the risks and benefits of screenings can
put patients at ease.” Indeed, when it comes to your health, your relationship
with your primary care provider is a very important one.
If you're looking to
schedule a screening or discuss your health needs, Aspirus can help you find
the right provider. Call the Aspirus Welcome Center at 833.811.4176 or find
a clinic near you. For more information about primary care services, visit www.aspirus.org/primarycare.
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