Screening and preventive health questions

Overview

Screening looks for signs of increased risk in people who may feel well. It differs from investigating symptoms. A discussion can help you understand an invitation or a proposed private test and ask whether the result would meaningfully change your care.

The decision is not simply about doing more tests. It is also about what happens after a result, how uncertainty is handled and whether there is evidence that the benefits outweigh possible harms. Existing NHS screening invitations are a useful starting point for the conversation.

By telephone

A telephone consultation can help review your question, relevant history and the information supplied with a screening offer. Ask what the test is looking for, who it is intended for, what a positive or negative result means and which follow-up would be needed.

You can also discuss practical prevention questions and which information your usual healthcare team already has. A useful outcome is a clearer set of priorities, rather than an automatic bundle of tests.

What cannot be done remotely

Screening tests can miss a problem or suggest a problem that further assessment does not confirm. A reassuring screening result does not mean new symptoms should be ignored. Likewise, an abnormal screening result may require diagnostic investigation rather than establishing a diagnosis by itself.

Tests, samples and examinations need appropriate arrangements beyond the telephone conversation. This page does not offer a comprehensive health clearance, cancer exclusion or screening package. Suitability must be judged against the particular test, evidence and individual circumstances.

What to prepare

• Have the invitation or proposed test description ready.
• Distinguish a concern about symptoms from a question about future risk.
• List screening already completed and any follow-up recommended.
• Ask about limitations, alternatives, costs and what would happen after each result.

Sources

• NHS: screening
• GMC: remote consultations