Spontaneously broken gauge models generically present large radiative
corrections when the masses of the scalars are larger than the symmetr
y-breaking scale(s). This is not necessary, however, and we determine,
based on the symmetry and renormalization properties of the theory, t
he most general conditions under which scalar radiative effects are sc
reened. Barring fine tuning, the properties of the Goldstone sector de
termine whether this type of screening is present or not, and this can
be decided in most cases by inspection (given the pattern of symmetry
breaking). We consider several examples. In particular we show that i
n left-right symmetric models the two requirements that all scalars be
significantly heavier than the gauge bosons is inconsistent with scre
ening; this implies either the presence of large radiative corrections
produced by the heavy scalars, or the presence of scalars with masses
similar to that of the (heaviest) gauge bosons in these models.