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When Xiao Li was casually skipped in the stomach ultrasound examination in the health examination organized by the company, he did not take it to heart.
As a young man in his early thirties, he was confident and believed that he was free from all kinds of diseases. However, a few months later, when he was diagnosed with early-stage stomach cancer due to persistent discomfort, the news fell like a bolt from the blue.
If this seemingly inconspicuous test had been performed during the physical examination, perhaps his condition would have been detected earlier and treatment would have been more timely. This little story reminds us that regular and comprehensive medical check-ups are an integral part of health management.
This is especially true for often overlooked, but extremely important examinations, which can sometimes be the difference between life and death. As a common and frequent disease in contemporary times, the shadow of cancer hangs over almost everyone's head.
Let's take a closer look at which six areas of examination should not be overlooked during the physical examination and the importance of these examinations.
Chest X-ray or low-dose CT scan
Chest X-ray has a significant role in detecting lung disease, especially for people with a history of smoking, who have a higher risk of lung cancer. Low-dose CT scans are especially important for early detection of lung cancer, as they can reveal tiny nodules in the lungs that may go unnoticed during routine X-rays.
Gastric ultrasound or gastroscopy
Stomach cancer is often difficult to detect in the early stages because the symptoms are not significant. For individuals with a family history of stomach cancer or those with a history of chronic stomach disease, regular gastric ultrasound or more accurate gastroscopy is essential. Gastroscopy can directly observe the condition of the gastric mucosa and detect abnormalities in time.
Colorectal cancer screening
The risk of colorectal cancer gradually increases with age. Colonoscopy is one of the most effective ways to detect colorectal cancer. For adults over the age of 50, or individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer, regular colonoscopy or fecal occult blood testing is a key measure to prevent colorectal cancer.
Breast exam
Breast cancer in women is one of the most common types of cancer. Mammograms (i.e., mammograms or called mammography) can help detect breast cancer early.
For women with high-risk factors, such as a family history of breast cancer or a genetic predisposition, breast ultrasonography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be needed in addition to routine mammograms.
Cervical cancer screening
Pap test and HPV (human papillomavirus) testing are effective in screening for cervical cancer. A Pap smear can detect early abnormal changes in cervical cells, while an HPV test can detect the type of virus that causes cervical cancer.
It is crucial for women to have these check-ups done regularly after sexual activity begins. Even after receiving the HPV vaccine, regular screening is essential.
Prostate cancer screening
For men, prostate problems gradually increase as they age, and prostate cancer is one of them. A blood test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a common way to detect prostate cancer.
While PSA testing is controversial because it can lead to overdiagnosis or overtreatment, regular testing of PSA levels is still considered beneficial for men with a family history of prostate cancer, or for people with other risk factors.
While these tests may cause a certain level of inconvenience or anxiety, their role in preventing and early diagnosing cancer should not be underestimated.
For those potential cancer risks, it is often difficult for us to detect them until there are obvious symptoms, and regular check-ups can help us detect and treat the cancer before it progresses to a more serious stage.
In addition to the above-mentioned regular check-ups, self-observation and self-examination in daily life are also very important. For example, breast self-exams, regular skin self-exams to look for new moles or changes, these are all health management measures that individuals can and should take.
When it comes to cancer prevention, we can't ignore the importance of lifestyle. A balanced diet, regular exercise, weight control, smoking cessation and alcohol restriction are all known cancer prevention strategies.
More importantly, in the face of the threat of cancer, we should maintain a positive mindset and avoid excessive mental stress, because mental health also has a non-negligible correlation with the risk of cancer.
Finally, advances in medical technology have also brought new hope for cancer detection and treatment. Liquid biopsy, genomics, and personalized medicine are emerging with the potential to dramatically change the treatment and outcomes of cancer patients in the future.
Regular comprehensive medical check-ups and an emphasis on site-specific check-ups, combined with a healthy lifestyle and a positive attitude towards life, are preventive measures that each of us can take.
By doing so, we can maximize our chances of finding and treating cancer even if the shadow of cancer remains, and gain valuable time to fight it.
What do you think about the medical check-up? Welcome to discuss in the comment area!