Preventive medicine emphasizes targeted screening over universal testing

Modern preventive medicine emphasizes that screening should be targeted rather than universal. Effective screening involves performing the right test on the right person at the right time, based on factors such as age, gender, weight, smoking status, and family history, rather than simply conducting a large number of tests.

Health authorities, including the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), recommend that screenings be determined by individual risk factors. In Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Health and the Saudi Health Council align with this approach, focusing on early detection for specific conditions like colorectal cancer, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and lipid disorders through targeted programs.