What is the main purpose of health screenings?

The primary purpose of health screenings is to detect diseases early in asymptomatic individuals. Health screenings are preventive measures designed to identify health issues before symptoms appear, allowing for timely intervention. Early detection can lead to more effective treatment and improved health outcomes. For instance, screenings for cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure enable healthcare providers to address potential health problems before they develop into more serious conditions.

While locating healthy individuals can be a byproduct of screenings, the primary goal is not to find healthy people, but rather to find those who may have undiagnosed conditions. Providing basic first aid is outside the scope of health screenings, which focus on identifying risk factors and health issues rather than treating immediate injuries or ailments. Promoting over-the-counter medications does not align with the goals of screenings, as the focus is specifically on detection and prevention rather than medication promotion.