Differential Diagnosis and Medical Screening in Physical Therapy Practice Exam 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

A personal or family history of cancer increases the likelihood that a systemic disease is involved or could develop. Cancer can spread (metastasize) beyond the original site and affect multiple organ systems, producing systemic red flags that go beyond a local musculoskeletal problem. This history also raises concern for hereditary cancer syndromes, which can predispose someone to systemic illness. In physical therapy screening, this kind of history prompts careful medical referral or further testing rather than assuming the pain or dysfunction is purely musculoskeletal.

Regular exercise and a healthy diet are protective factors that reduce the risk for many systemic diseases, not risk factors themselves. No prior illnesses suggests a lower likelihood of current systemic disease, rather than an increased risk.