Catch up on screenings

Even during Manitoba’s colder months, staying up to date on screenings and tests is key to staying healthy all year. The earlier you’re able to uncover a disease, hopefully before you even begin feeling symptoms, the easier it’ll be to treat. Medical screenings can lead to a longer and better quality of life by decreasing your risk of becoming seriously ill.

One in five Manitobans believe they aren’t doing enough or could be doing more when it comes to keeping up to date with medical screenings and immunizations (Doctors Manitoba 2023 survey). 

Short days and snowy roads during winter can make it tempting to delay appointments, but it’s still important to stay on schedule. Talk to your doctor if you think you might be behind on medical screenings, and try out our Getting Healthy Guide to see what routine screenings are recommended for you based on your age and gender. 

Getting started

Here are a few things that are good to screen for:

• People between the ages of 50 and 74 should go for breast and colorectal cancer screening every two years. And those between the ages of 21 and 69 should get screened for cervical cancer every three years. 

• Sexually-transmitted and blood-borne infections when indicated.

• Also, it’s a good idea to be tested for specific diseases if you have risk factors, such as a family history of a certain cancer.

When to call a doctor

• To talk about routine monitoring for other chronic conditions and health concerns such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, osteoporosis, or enlarged prostate. 

• To talk about testing for diseases you may have risk factors for, such as a family history of a certain cancer or lifestyle exposures such as smoking and alcohol use.