The Importance of Getting Routine Health Screenings

The Importance of Getting Routine Health Screenings

November 8 is the International Day of Radiology in remembrance of the date that X-rays were invented by Wilhelm Conrad Rontgen in 1895. This annual awareness day observed by medical imaging professionals and patients worldwide is the perfect time to reflect on the importance of medical imaging in modern healthcare. Below, Pegalis Law Group, LLC sheds light on how radiology is integral in several routine health screenings to help save lives.

What Are the Most Common Types of Medical Imaging?

Medical imaging (radiology) is the branch of medicine focused on capturing inside images of the human body to diagnose and monitor various conditions. Modern radiology procedures are non-invasive and use much lower doses of radiation than they did in years past. Medical imaging helps doctors get a clearer picture of internal bones, organs, tumors, blood clots, and more to guide treatments. The most common types of medical imaging include:

• X-rays – Conventional X-rays use ionized radiation to create images of internal body parts.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Scans – MRI scans create images using magnetic fields and radio waves, capturing the protons of fat and water molecules in your body.
• Ultrasounds (Sonography) – Ultrasounds capture high-frequency sound waves in real-time using a transducer (probe) and a thin gel layer on the skin. 
• CT (Computed Tomography) Scans – CT scans capture multiple X-ray images simultaneously as the detector moves around the body and reconstruct these images into cross-sectional ones.
• Fluoroscopy – A fluoroscopy creates continuous X-ray images on a monitor to make real-time monitoring during a procedure possible.
• Mammography – Mammography uses X-ray imaging to examine the internal structure of breasts to help detect breast cancer and other issues.

Why Are Routine Health Screenings With Radiology Essential?

Routine health screenings are part of being a proactive patient through preventive healthcare. They allow doctors to compile and compare test results to identify and sometimes prevent many medical issues. Screenings that utilize medical imaging give doctors more info and a better understanding of what’s happening inside a patient’s body to help them make more accurate diagnoses. Generally, the earlier a medical issue is detected and treated, the better the outcome for the patient. Routine health screenings can vary from blood pressure and cholesterol screenings to eye exams, screenings for sexually transmitted diseases, immunizations, and certain cancer screenings.

Mammograms & Sonograms Save Women’s Lives

Mammograms and sonograms are an essential part of women’s health screenings. Breast cancer affects nearly 300,000 women every year. Routine breast cancer screenings help diagnose the condition early enough to make a difference. Researchers estimate mammograms help reduce the number of annual breast cancer deaths by at least a third. Breast cancer screenings aren’t just for women – men can also develop breast cancer. Talk to your doctor about your risks to determine if a mammogram should be part of your routine health screenings this year.

Spiral CT Scans Can Detect Several Forms of Cancer

Spiral CT scans are another essential routine health screening that can potentially detect several forms of cancer, including thyroid, heart, and lung cancer. Spiral CT scans are necessary for anyone who smokes and those with a history of smoking, even if they quit years ago. Lung cancer symptoms often go unnoticed in the early stages when it’s most treatable. Once the disease spreads and advances, a patient’s chances of survival decrease. Talk to your doctor about your risks to evaluate if a spiral CT scan should be part of your routine health screenings.

Committed to Increasing Public Awareness for 50+ Years

As a New York-based personal injury and medical malpractice law firm with 50+ years of experience, Pegalis Law Group, LLC is committed to increasing public awareness and creating proactive patients. We’re focused on various healthcare-related topics, including the importance of routine health screenings to save lives. Please visit our website and follow us on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn for additional insights about being proactive about your family’s healthcare.