Preventive medicine and its role in enhancing public health: the critical importance of routine health screenings
Keywords:
preventive medicine, public health, routine health screenings, disease prevention, healthcare systems, early detectionAbstract
Background: Preventive medicine plays a pivotal role in enhancing public health by focusing on early detection and prevention of diseases, rather than treatment. Routine health screenings, a cornerstone of preventive healthcare, significantly contribute to reducing disease burden, improving patient outcomes, and lowering healthcare costs. Despite their proven effectiveness, gaps in accessibility, awareness, and implementation persist, limiting their full potential in addressing global health challenges. Aim: This paper aims to explore the role of preventive medicine in enhancing public health outcomes, with a specific focus on the critical importance of routine health screenings in early disease detection and prevention. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, analyzing peer-reviewed articles, public health data, and case studies on the effectiveness of routine screenings in reducing morbidity and mortality. Global policies and practices in preventive healthcare were evaluated, and barriers to implementation were identified. Results: Routine health screenings were found to be instrumental in early diagnosis and management of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders. Statistical analysis revealed a significant reduction in disease burden and healthcare costs in populations with regular access to screenings. However, systemic barriers such as limited access, inadequate funding, and patient hesitancy remain critical challenges.
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