Even if you feel perfectly healthy, you may still be at risk for serious health problems, such as cancer or diabetes. Preventive screenings allow us to detect health conditions early, when you have a better chance for successful treatment.

What is done in a health screening?

Different health screenings involve different types of tests. For example, a health screening may involve an imaging test, a physical exam or a blood test. Your provider can help you understand what to expect before your health screening.

What are the types of health screenings?

Health screenings typically fall into two categories:

• Cancer screenings
• Screenings for other serious health problems

Both types of screenings can help your doctor detect diseases early. Many of these screenings are routine tests. Your doctor may recommend other screenings based on your health history and risk factors.

Cancer screenings

Depending on your risk factors, your provider may recommend cancer screenings such as:

• Colonoscopy: Your doctor uses a thin, flexible tube (colonoscope) to examine the lining of your large intestine (colon) and rectum. They check for growths (polyps) that could be an early sign of colorectal cancer. Learn more about colonoscopy.
• Lung scan: Your doctor may recommend a lung cancer screening using a low-dose chest CT scan if you’re a current or former smoker between ages 55 and 77. Read more about lung scans.
• Mammogram: This test uses a special X-ray machine to examine your breast tissue for solid masses or other early signs of breast cancer. Find out more about mammograms.
• Pelvic exam: A pelvic exam evaluates the health of a woman’s reproductive organs, including the vulva, vagina, uterus and cervix. We may also take a tissue sample from your cervix (Pap smear) and examine it under a microscope to check for signs of cervical cancer. Find out more about Pap smears and gynecological exams.
• Prostate cancer screening: Men between ages 50 and 69 may benefit from prostate cancer screenings. There are many ways to be screened for prostate cancer, including blood tests. Talk with your doctor about whether screening is right for you. Learn more about prostate cancer.
• Skin cancer screening: We look closely at moles and other skin changes to check for signs of cancer. Read more about skin cancer.

Other preventive screenings

Like cancer, many medical conditions show no symptoms in the early stages. Screening tests help us detect these conditions early so you can start treatment before the problem becomes more serious. Your doctor may recommend:

• Cholesterol screening: You may need a cholesterol screening if you have risk factors for heart disease. We use a blood test to check whether your levels of cholesterol, a waxy substance, are within typical ranges. High cholesterol could be a sign of heart disease.
• Diabetes and prediabetes screening: Your doctor may recommend screening tests if you have early signs of diabetes, such as slow-healing bladder infections. A diabetes blood test can help us confirm or rule out a diagnosis. Learn more about diabetes testing.
• Eye exam: Regular eye exams can help detect problems such as glaucoma and cataracts, which can significantly impair your vision if left untreated. All adults should get routine eye exams as they would regular health screenings. If you have other medical conditions, such as diabetes, these tests help to spot the earliest signs of eye-related complications. Read more about what to expect during an eye exam.

Convenient ways to get medical screenings

Our primary care providers make health screening recommendations based on your risk factors, such as age, gender and health history. They can explain why these tests are important and how screenings help you stay healthy.

There are multiple convenient ways to access health screenings, including:

• During physical exams: You may receive screening tests, such as a pelvic exam or prostate cancer screening, during your annual physical exam.
• At the Aurora Clinic at Walgreens: Some tests, such as flu and strep throat, are available without an appointment. Find out more about Aurora Clinic at Walgreens.
• In diagnostic facilities: Your doctor may send you to a diagnostic facility for some screening tests, such as mammograms and colonoscopies. With locations throughout eastern Wisconsin, you can get these tests close to home. Find a doctor to learn more about what screenings are right for you.

Screening tests for your optimal health

Taking good care of yourself includes managing your risk for serious but preventable health problems. Aurora Health Care offers all the health screening tests you need to stay healthy.

Highlights of our program include:

• Accurate testing: Our primary care providers treat a high volume of people, which translates to a superior level of care. Our experience performing thousands of health screening tests every year ensures accurate testing and results you can trust. Learn more about choosing a primary care provider.
• Coordination with specialists: If test results show that you are at risk for a health problem, your primary care provider works with Aurora specialists to coordinate additional testing. If you’re diagnosed with a health condition, we work with specialists to coordinate your next steps, making it easier for you to get the care you need quickly.
• Focus on prevention: You can count on Aurora to meet all your primary care needs. Screening tests are one of many services we offer to help you live your best life. We also offer adult vaccines (shots) to protect you against serious illnesses like the flu.