What works best for encouraging screenings in young adults?

Discussing preventive screenings with young adults isn’t easy, as many think it doesn’t apply to them. But these conversations can be lifesaving—early detection and proactive care often prevent serious conditions later.

For clinicians, the challenge is framing these discussions in a way that resonates and is driven by an overall well-being rather than fear or obligation. By shifting the narrative, providers can empower younger patients to take ownership of their health today for a better, healthier future. 

What strategies have you found to be successful in getting younger patients on board with screenings? Log in or sign up to read the full post, see the consensus, and provide your perspective. 

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Key takeaways about discussing preventive screenings with young adults:   

• Frame screenings as an investment in health
  Practitioners recommend using relatable analogies, like car insurance or oil changes, to show that preventive screenings are proactive steps that protect long-term health and well-being.
  
• Personalize by age and risk factors
  Tailor conversations to age-specific needs and family history, emphasizing that early detection can prevent serious, irreversible health issues later in life.
  
• Make preventive care feel routine and accessible
  Normalize screenings with visible reminders, annual checklists, and open Q&A so younger adults see them as a standard, approachable part of ongoing care.
  

Psychiatry

"I like to share the importance of preventative psychoeducation and ways to monitor annually for any notable changes in mood or behavior. And I always share that having a baseline to reference is helpful."

Family Practice

"I point out specific things that will be addressed for their age group, typically immunizations, STD screening, alcohol/drug screening, mental health discussion, pap smears for women, and any lab work as appropriate. I point out the purpose of screening as a tool to catch a problem before any symptoms develop and reiterate its importance to prevent irreversible health issues later in life."

Pediatrics

"Some of the children's hospitals have some nice posters/ materials that I often post around the office about yearly exams. I also give kids 12 and up a question form to fill out. We do vision, hearing, depression screen, and sometimes other screening tools. I go over their vaccine record and any labs they may need each time.

I give them Bright Futures, and we go over interval growth. I think discussing this with them helps them to see all the things that I am trying to monitor each year. Finally, taking time to answer their questions and provide anticipatory guidance each year is helpful. I end every visit with - see you in a year!"

Internal Medicine

"We discuss the importance of early detection and do a detailed family history so that the patient can relate to other family members who may have experienced serious diseases."

Gastroenterology

"I advise the patients to start preventive screening colonoscopy at age 45. Those with a family history of colon cancer or polyps are advised to be more adherent due to being a high-risk population. Most young adults are aware of the guidelines and do adhere to the screening tests. Insurance also mails the stool FIT tests, and primary care providers may also order the stool Cologuard test for screening."

Family Practice

"I like to use the term 'investments.' Our health is an investment. If we invest in our wellbeing now and take care of our body/mind/soul then it will evolve with us."

Family Practice

"I frame it as getting car insurance—you have to have it before any accident. Similarly, the screenings are beneficial prior to the event happening, and most people grasp the concept that it will be of benefit to them. Then I let them make up their mind. Pushing too much almost never works."

Dermatology

"In my specialty, dermatology, skin cancer screening is most important in adults, but may be indicated in younger adults with a history of atypical moles or family history of skin cancer, particularly malignant melanoma. This can be explained and is also helpful that none of the screening requires imaging or pain."

Family Practice

"When I see my patients, I do the annual physical and schedule the next year’s visit. I don’t have difficulty with younger patients understanding the need for preventative medicine. Rather, I find there are many more 40-75 year olds who think they are in good health despite having obesity and long smoking histories, who decline preventative services.

I always educate them about early detection and even advise them that these are the services that are now free for them because they essentially prepaid for preventative medicine with their premiums."

Nurse Practitioner

"I discuss with them that we can prevent having to take medications (think multiple insulin injections coupled with painful finger sticks). I especially point out that we need to draw an A1C every year. I even compare it to an oil change for cars. If we didn't do oil changes,  then we could have a domino effect with the engine, etc."

Wondering how the rest of our community handles preventive discussions with young patients? See all comments on the post on Healthcasts.