Naturopathic doctors are strong advocates of preventative healthcare. Screening tests are considered secondary prevention, meaning they help identify health conditions early on so you and your family can benefit most from treatment.  

Routine screening refers to screening tests that are recommended for healthy asymptomatic individuals. If you are not feeling well, have concerning symptoms, or have a diagnosed health condition your naturopathic doctor will recommend additional testing and checkups based on your individual needs.

There are a variety of routine health screening tests and tools that are recommended by healthcare providers. These tests and checkups are recommended based on your age and stage of life.

Childhood Developmental Checkups

Developmental checkups are recommended at key developmental milestones in your child’s life: 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 1 year, 15 months, 18 months, 2 years, and annually thereafter up to 18 years of age.  

Regular checkups in childhood include thorough physical exams, developmental anticipatory guidance, nutritional guidance, mental health screening, and an opportunity to discuss any health concerns that may arise. Screening tests may be ordered based on your child’s age and risk factors.

For more information about Juniper Family Health’s Infant and Children’s Health programs, please see the following links: 

https://juniperfamilyhealth.com/infant-health

https://juniperfamilyhealth.com/childrens-health

Cardiovascular Disease Screening

Assessment for cardiovascular disease risk is recommended for the following individuals:

• Men over the age of 40

• Women over the age of 50 (or women who have gone through menopause at a younger age)

• All individuals who have a family history of premature cardiovascular disease (ie. men < 55 years and women < 65 years in first degree relatives)

• Individuals with clinical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension or chronic kidney disease.

Common screening tools and tests recommended by health care providers include: 

• Cholesterol screening

• Blood pressure

• Weight, height, and BMI

• Diabetes screening

• Framingham Risk Score

• Diet & Lifestyle assessment – ie. nutrition, exercise, stress levels/mental health, tobacco use, alcohol consumption

Re-screening is recommended every 1-5 years depending on individual risk and treatments recommended.

Type 2 Diabetes Screening

Screening tests for blood sugar abnormalities are routinely recommended for all individuals over the age of 40, every 1-3 years depending on risk factors.  If you are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes, screening may be more frequent and may start at an earlier stage.

Some risk factors for type 2 diabetes include:

• You have a parent or sibling who has type two diabetes

• You are of Aboriginal, African, Hispanic, Asian, or South East Asian descent

• You are overweight or obese

• You had diabetes while pregnant (ie. gestational diabetes)

• You have prediabetes

• You have polycystic ovarian syndrome

• You have high blood pressure

• You have high cholesterol

• You have cardiovascular disease (ie. heart failure or history of a heart attack)

• You have a sedentary lifestyle

• You smoke cigarettes

Common screening tests and tools recommended:

• Fasting glucose

• Hemoglobin A1c

• 2 hour glucose tolerance test

• Weight, height and BMI

• Cardiovascular disease screening

Cervical Cancer Screening

Cervical cancer screening (Pap test) is a test that can find abnormal cells in the cervix before they become cancer. Screening can also identify cancer at an early stage before it causes symptoms. Pap tests are recommended to all women and/or individuals between the ages of 25 and 69 who have a cervix and are sexually active.  Screening can stop at age 69 if your results have been normal in the preceding 10 years.

Breast Cancer Screening

Screening mammograms are the best method for detecting breast cancer early. Mammograms can usually find lumps two or three years before a woman or her health care provider can feel them.  

The two biggest risk factors for developing breast cancer are age (ie. being 50 years or older), and family history of breast cancer.

The BC Cancer Agency recommends screening mammograms for: 

• Women age 40-74 with a first degree relative (mother, daughter, sister) with breast cancer. It is recommended that you get a mammogram every year.

• Women age 50-74 without a family history of breast cancer. It is recommended that you get a mammogram every two years. 

For more information about the BC Breast Cancer Screening program click here: http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/screening/breast/

Colon Cancer Screening

Women and men ages 50-74 should be screened regularly for colon cancer.

Colon cancer screening saves lives in two important ways:

• By finding and removing polyps found in the colon before they turn into cancer.

• By finding cancers early before they have a chance to spread. Early detection means more treatment options and better outcomes.

Colon cancer screening is recommended for:

• Women and men ages 50-74. Screen every two years with fecal immunochemical test (FIT).

• Women and men ages 50-74, with a significant family history of personal history of colon cancer. Colonoscopy is recommended every 5 years.

To learn more about the BC Colon Cancer Screening program click here: http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/screening/colon

To book an appointment with one of our knowledgable Naturopaths at Juniper Family Health please call 778-265-8340 or book online here.

References:
bcguidelines.ca
uptodate.com
http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/screening/