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Early disease detection (non-cancer)
Why is it important to identify health issues early? When you do, it may prevent or delay the onset of disease or make it more likely that the disease can be successfully treated. Screening tests can help to identify health issues before symptoms appear. It’s also important to consider your risk factors to help select screening options. Read our resources below and talk to your doctor for more information.
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Osteoporosis screening: topic overview
Health Link B.C.Osteoporosis Canada recommends everyone over age 65 have routine bone density tests. Start routine testing earlier if you are at increased risk for broken bones. Use the FRAX tool to predict your risk of having a fracture related to osteoporosis (link in this resource). -
Coronary artery disease risk screening
Health Link B.C.Men over 40 and women past menopause or over 50 should get screened for coronary artery disease (CAD) every 1 to 3 years. Your risk is higher if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, abdominal obesity, kidney disease, family history of CAD or if you smoke. -
Blood pressure screening
Health Link B.C.Hypertension Canada recommends that all adults get their blood pressure tested when they visit the doctor. How often your blood pressure needs to be checked will be determined by your doctor based on your blood pressure and risk for heart disease. -
Prostate Cancer Screening: Should I Have a PSA Test?
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps men considering a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test decide on whether or not to have a test by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options. -
Heart Disease Risk: Should I Have a Coronary Calcium Scan?
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps people who are curious about their risk for heart disease but don't have angina symptoms decide on whether or not to have a coronary calcium scan. It facilitates the process by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options. -
Screening for coronary heart disease with electrocardiography: Consumer fact sheet
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)If you are at low risk for coronary heart disease and do not have symptoms, screening with electrocardiography (ECG) is not recommended since the harms outweigh the benefits. More research is need to make recommendations about screening for people at high risk for coronary heart disease. -
Screening for hearing loss in older adults: Consumer fact sheet
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)Hearing loss is common among older adults but may be difficult to notice. There is not enough evidence to know if screening helps people who may not be aware of their hearing loss or who have chosen not to seek help. -
Screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea: Consumer fact sheet
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)Sexually active women over 24 years old who do not use condoms or have more than one sexual partner should get screened for chlamydia and gonorrhea. -
Heart Disease: Should I Have an Angiogram?
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps people wishing to confirm the diagnosis of coronary artery disease decide on whether or not to have an angiogram by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options. -
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Should I Get a Screening Test?
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps people without symptoms or a diagnosis of an abdominal aortic aneurysm decide on whether or not to get a screening test by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options. -
Screening for carotid artery stenosis final recommendation fact sheet
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)Carotid artery stenosis is more common among older men and can lead to a stroke. Healthy adults without symptoms do not need to be screened for carotid artery stenosis. -
Type 2 diabetes: Patient FAQ
Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health CareFind answers to frequently asked questions about type 2 diabetes in this resource. Help prevent diabetes: eat a healthy diet and limit fat, salt and alcohol, control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels and do not smoke. -
Type 2 diabetes: Patient FINDRISC
Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health CareUse this risk calculator to find out your risk for type 2 diabetes and see if you should be tested. Many people with diabetes have no symptoms. Speak to your doctor if you notice diabetes symptoms such as unusual thirst, the need to pee a lot, lack of energy, blurred vision, tingling or numbness in your hands or feet. -
Eye examinations for adults
Health Link B.C.Refer to these guidelines for how often you should have an eye exam. For example, at age 50 consider yearly examinations for glaucoma or other vision problems. If you have a disease that affects your eyes, have an exam every year. -
Non-physician screening and self-screening can detect raised blood pressure
American Journal of Hypertension (2015) -
Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm using ultrasound can reduce risk of death
Ann Intern Med (2014) -
Osteoporosis: Should I have a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) test?
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps women over 65 or at higher risk for osteoporosis decide on whether or not to have a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) test by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options. -
Sleep Apnea: Should I Have a Sleep Study?
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps people with symptoms of sleep apnea decide on whether or not to have a sleep study by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options. -
Colon polyps
Mayo ClinicSigns of colon polyps include abdominal pain, blood in stool or a change in bathroom habits. It is important to get screened if you are at risk since some polyps can develop into colon cancer. Many polyps can be removed during screening. -
HIV Testing: Should I Get Tested for Human Immunodeficiency Virus?
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps people decide on whether or not to get tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options. -
Screening for chronic kidney disease: Consumer fact sheet
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)Older age, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and a family history put you at higher risk for kidney disease. There is not enough evidence to weigh the benefits and harms of screening for kidney disease among adults who don't have diabetes, high blood pressure or symptoms of kidney disease. -
Lately, I've had a lot of leg pain, especially when sitting at my desk or standing in line at the store. Should I be concerned about this new aching?
Mayo ClinicLeg pain can have many causes including a build-up of fluid in the leg veins. New and lasting leg pain is a good reason to visit your doctor. Support socks or hose can help ease pain from fluid buildup. -
Low Back Pain: Should I Have an MRI?
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps people with acute low back pain decide on whether or not to have an MRI by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options. -
Health Screenings: Should I Buy Commercial Tests?
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps people decide on whether or not to buy a commercial screening package by comparing the benefits, risks and side effects of both options. -
Cataracts Causes, Symptoms, Vision Tests, and Surgery
Medicine NetLower your risk of cataracts by not smoking, limiting alcohol, controlling diabetes and wearing sunglasses. Eyeglasses or contact lenses can help correct vision. Cataract surgery is a safe and effective treatment. Pictures in this slideshow. -
Detecting dementia: How hit and miss is this questionnaire?
Evidently CochraneThe IQCODE questionnaire can be used to find out whether you have a memory disorder. The test can lead to false dementia diagnosis for healthy patients. A single tool is likely not the best approach for diagnosing dementia. -
Glaucoma screening: topic overview
Health Link B.C.The Canadian Opthalmological Society recommends people at risk of glaucoma have a complete eye examination every year if age 60 or older, or every 2 years if age 50 to 59. Certain health conditions, medications, history and ethnicity can affect your risk of glaucoma. -
Rectal Bleeding (blood in stool)
Patient.co.ukBlood in your faeces (poop) can come from anywhere in the gut. Hemorrhoids are the most common cause of rectal bleeding. If you notice any bleeding or have black faeces, see a doctor. They will perform tests to find the cause. -
Screening: What might help you decide
Informed Health OnlineScreening tests are more useful if the disease is serious, if the test is reliable, if the test is not harmful and if the disease has better treatment options when detected early. Screening is not a diagnosis and can sometimes lead to a false alarm. This resource includes questions to ask your doctor. -
Dedicated osteoporosis health professionals can effectively screen and treat outpatients with acute low trauma fractures
Archives of Osteoporosis (2014) -
STI Testing: Should I Get Tested For a Sexually Transmitted Infection?
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps people decide on whether or not to get tested for a sexually transmitted infection (STI) by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options. -
Fertility Problems: Should I Be Tested?
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps people with fertility problems decide on whether or not to have tests to find the cause of infertility by comparing the benefits, risks and side effects of both options. -
Hepatitis B: Should I Be Tested?
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps people decide on whether or not to have a blood test for hepatitis B or hepatitis C by comparing the benefits, risks and side effects of both options. -
Meniscus tear: Should I have a diagnostic test (MRI or arthroscopy)?
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps with suspected meniscal tear decide on whether to have a diagnostic test (MRI or arthroscopy) or try other treatment methods such as physical therapy or home treatment. It facilitates this process by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options. -
Headaches: Should I Have Imaging Tests to Find Out What's Causing My Headaches?
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps people considering diagnostic imaging to evaluate their headaches decide on whether or not to have imaging tests by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options. -
Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Should I Have Tests for IBS Symptoms?
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps individuals who are uncertain if they have irritable bowel syndrome decide on whether or not to have tests for IBS symptoms by comparing the benefits, risks and side effects of both options. It includes alternative options to having tests such as trying home treatment. -
Slide show: Age-related vision problems
Mayo ClinicRecognize signs of eye floaters, cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration which can occur with age. Speak with your doctor about changes in your eyesight. -
Knowing your numbers to help keep your blood pressure in check
When it comes to high blood pressure, “knowing your numbers” is key. A couple of promising blood pressure screening and monitoring options may help you stay on top of your numbers and help you and your health care provider create the best possible treatment plan. -
Just a "senior's moment"? What are the best ways to diagnose dementia?
Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, finding out the best ways to diagnose the condition early may help people to access the best available treatments and support and maintain control and independence for as long as possible. -
Diabetic foot care: Awareness and prevention are vital
People with diabetes are at significantly higher risk for foot disease including ulcers that can lead to serious health problems. A leading expert in diabetic foot care provides important facts and strategies for prevention and protection.
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