Screening and Free Check-ups: Take care of your health

Prevention is important to stay healthy. In Italy, there are free screening programs to help you monitor your body and detect any issues before they become serious. In this article, we explain what screenings are, why they are important, and how you can access free check-ups.

Screenings are medical tests for people without medical issues to detect potential problems or diseases before symptoms or serious health conditions appear. For example, screenings can identify cancer such as breast or cervical cancer at an early stage when they are easier to treat.

Which free screenings can you get?

The National Health Service offers several free screenings to prevent serious diseases. Here are some of the main screenings available:

  • Pap test and HPV test (women aged 25-64): to prevent cervical cancer.
  • Mammogram (women aged 50-69, in some regions up to 74): to detect breast cancer.
  • Colorectal cancer screening (men and women aged 50-69): stool test or colonoscopy to prevent intestinal cancer.
  • Screening for newborns and children: pediatric check-ups and tests to detect rare diseases. Remember that every child has the right to have a pediatrician, even without a regular permesso di soggiorno.
  • Heart and diabetes screening: tests to detect issues such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

Prevention campaigns

Every year, awareness campaigns offer free screenings to more people. Here are some examples:

  • Pink October: free breast cancer screenings.
  • November: prostate cancer prevention campaign.
  • November 14 – World Diabetes Day: free blood sugar tests.
  • Public health events: organizations such as La Misericordia and the Italian Red Cross often offer free check-ups and health awareness events in town squares.

How to get free screenings?

Participating in these check-ups is simple:

  • If you are in the eligible age group and registered with the National Health System, you will receive a letter from the ASL with information on how to book your exam.
  • You can ask your doctor or the ASL if you qualify for screening.
  • During prevention campaigns, you can visit centers offering screenings without an appointment.

Taking care of your health is important. Even if you feel well, regular check-ups can help you prevent health problems.

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