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How to encourage loved ones to get an imaging exam or screening?

"I did it myself, it wasn't that difficult."
A simple phrase, but often decisive.

An intimate public health issue

In a world where preventive medicine is progressing, access to medical imaging and screening programs remains key to reducing mortality from cancers, cardiovascular diseases, lung diseases and neurological disorders.

Yet, every day in Switzerland and elsewhere, hundreds of women and men postpone scheduled examinations, ignore prescriptions, or hesitate to seek advice. Fear of diagnosis, denial of illness, or simply forgetfulness lead to a dangerous gap between medical prescriptions and the reality of follow-up care.

In this context, loved ones become a crucial source of motivation. How then can we encourage a parent, spouse, or friend to take this step? How can we broach the subject without causing worry, guilt, or rejection? The role of support person is also something that can be learned.

Invisible brakes

The first step is listening. It's not about forcing the issue, but about understanding what's holding them back. Some fears are obvious, others more deeply buried. There's the fear of the equipment: the MRI, enclosed and noisy; the CT scan, associated with serious diagnoses. Then there's the fear of the result, much deeper: what if it's serious? What if everything changes? This fear is sometimes so strong that it leads to denial. The thought is, it's better not to know.

Added to this is the fear of discomfort, the fear of losing control, the feeling that the examination is going too fast or that no one is explaining anything. For others, the obstacle is more subtle: psychological fatigue, a feeling of not being a priority, or a tendency to downplay pain that is nonetheless persistent. A simple, direct question that creates space is needed: "What's holding you back?"

And to this question, we must respond not with ready-made answers, but with reassurance, information, and sometimes a personal account. The words of a loved one can have a beneficial mirroring effect.

The patient's fear: a protective mechanism

Behind the fear of undergoing an imaging exam lies a deep psychological mechanism: avoidance. In cognitive psychology, this behavior serves to reduce anticipatory anxiety, even if it goes against medical necessity. The idea of "not knowing" acts as an illusory protection. Not having the exam is a way of maintaining control, of refusing an uncertain future. Some patients prefer to remain in the realm of hypothesis rather than confront an objective reality, however benign it may be.

This behavior can be accompanied by cognitive distortions: minimizing symptoms, believing that "if it were serious, I would know," or even thinking that "tests create more stress than solutions." It is therefore essential to acknowledge this fear without denying it, and then to offer a realistic and reassuring perspective on the medical process.

Five concrete ways to help a loved one take the plunge

1. Listen without judgment. The first natural reaction is often to reassure, to say that "everything will be alright." But this response can be perceived as minimizing the situation. It's more helpful to listen sincerely, without interrupting, even if the fear expressed seems irrational. A phrase like "I understand that you're worried, it's legitimate" is sometimes more effective than a long, medicalized explanation.

2. Inform without dramatizing . Rather than presenting raw data, it's better to explain concretely: how long the examination takes, how to prepare, what the radiologist is looking for. For example, for a mammogram: "It's quick, a little uncomfortable but not painful, and it can really make a difference." Bringing a brochure, showing a demonstration video, or sharing information from the CID website can build trust.

3. Lead by example . Nothing is more impactful than a personal story. Saying, "I had an MRI last year, and I was scared too. But the staff was very attentive, I closed my eyes, and it went by quickly. I was relieved I'd taken the plunge." This kind of sharing creates a sense of connection, reduces anxiety, and humanizes the medical procedure.

4. Offer practical help. Organization can become an excuse for inaction: "I don't have time," "I don't know where to go," "I have to look after the children." Offering to make the appointment, accompany them to the clinic, and take care of the daily logistics transforms the examination into a shared experience. You can say, "How about we call together to make the appointment? I'll come with you."

5. Remind them of love, not fear. It's not about scaring them, but about reminding them of what matters: life, loved ones, the future. "I care about you. I want us to continue making plans together. This test is a way of taking care of you, right now." Screening isn't a technical procedure; it's an act of connection.

"It's better to know than to delay. Doubt is far more damaging than certainty."

A Swiss system that favors prevention

In Switzerland, imaging examinations prescribed by a doctor are reimbursed by the Swiss Health Insurance Act (LAMal) according to the deductible and co-payment conditions. Access is often quick, and the results are interpreted by specialized radiologists. It is important to explain that the image is not a judgment, but a tool for precision.

One place, one team, one mission: the CID Lausanne

At the Imaging and Diagnostic Center (CID Lausanne), every patient is welcomed with respect, and every family member is listened to if they wish. The team understands that behind every examination lies a family story, a proactive measure, and sometimes a difficult conversation. This support is an integral part of providing quality care.

Encouraging isn't about imposing. It's about enlightening. It's about suggesting. It's sometimes about planting a seed that will take weeks to germinate. But in prevention, time is on our side if we act without delay.

What if today was the right time to talk to your mother about that mammogram? To your partner about that scan he's handing in? To your friend about that MRI her doctor is waiting for?

The CID Lausanne is there to support you and your loved ones in this process.

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