It is estimated that nearly half of all cancers and up to 70 percent of cases of diabetes, heart disease and stroke could be avoided if we all made healthy choices in our everyday lives.^* One important but often overlooked action is participation in preventive screening tests. 

Screening tests are important medical tests that can help identify, track progression of, or in some cases protect against certain diseases. Some screening tests find diseases early when they are most treatable, while others play a role in stopping diseases before they start. Screenings are available for these kinds of cancer: 

• Colon and rectal cancer
• Breast cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Prostate cancer

Screenings for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and osteoporosis typically include measures of: 

• Blood pressure
• Blood sugar
• Cholesterol levels
• Overweight/obesity
• Bone density

What if your benefit package doesn’t include preventive health screenings?  Whether you’re covered or not, participation in preventive screenings is one of the most important ways to protect your health, avoid future health care costs and “invest in you.” Ask your doctor which screening tests are right for you and how often you should have them; since screening may depend on your age, gender, medical history, family history, and lifestyle choices. Look for free or low-cost screenings, available through many health care or community resources. Call your local hospital, search the Internet, ask your friends and co-workers, or talk with your health coach.** Your health and your life depend on it!   

*   Harvard Center for Cancer Prevention

** To learn more about the health coach program, simply click “The Health Coach” tab in this
     Web site