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What is screening in healthcare?

Screening is common in healthcare. It refers to the process of identifying potential indicators of conditions where the condition or disease is not apparent AND is amenable to treatment. A positive response to screening should be followed by confirmatory investigation and treatment if indicated.

Though early detection the condition can be managed and thus screening can help prevent problems from developing in the first place or can reduce the burden of a disease or condition. Many screening tools are available for cancer and other diseases — for example, mammograms, routine blood pressure measurements and pre-natal screening.