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Prevention = early detection examination
Medicine is constantly making progress in terms of diagnostics and therapy. But it’s best not to get seriously ill in the first place. For this reason, the legislators have included certain examinations in the list of services provided by statutory health insurance. They should track down health hazards and discover diseases at an early stage. Anyone who says “I’m going to preventive care” actually means “I’m going to have an early detection check-up done”. A regular check-up by a doctor cannot prevent an illness. However, it increases the chances of recovery many times over, especially in the case of the dreaded cancer diseases.
Colonoscopy to prevent tumor formation
The main focus of the insurance companies is on them – with great success: 30 years ago, a good two thirds of patients died from their cancer. Today, in some species, e.g. B. breast cancer, nine out of ten sufferers are cured. On the one hand, this is due to further developed therapy methods and, on the other hand, to the fact that more and more tumors can be detected at an early stage. If there is a genetic risk, the insurance company will cover the costs for an earlier or more detailed check. Experts consider colonoscopy to be particularly useful. Because the examiner can already identify preliminary stages – early detection in the truest sense of the word. The areas are then removed before cancerous tumors form. Although this investigation takes some effort, its benefit outweighs it.
We are masters of repression
But why do we shy away from measures that can preserve our most valuable asset, health? “Several points play a role here,” says Dr. Wolfgang Blohm from the specialist clinic for hypnotherapy in Breklum. “On the one hand, serious illnesses naturally scare us, which is why we are masters at denial. Most think it doesn’t happen to me, it only affects the others, and push the threat far away. On the other hand, there is great uncertainty. Today studies say that this and that investigation is necessary, tomorrow we will read from others who claim: It’s all nonsense.”
Misdiagnosis weakens body and mind
In fact, there are growing voices among medical professionals who question the usefulness of mammography (an X-ray of the breast), skin cancer screening, and especially the PSA test for men, which is supposed to indicate prostate cancer. About 80 percent of men over the age of 70 show this tissue change. Yet most men die with this very slow growing cancer, but not on him. Interventions usually lead to incontinence and impotence. Mammography can make the smallest tissue changes, even harmless ones, visible. Does this knowledge really save lives? The statistics say: probably not. Out of 1000 women examined, 100 receive the misdiagnosis of breast cancer (“false positive finding”), five of whom are treated with chemotherapy and radiation – including all physical and mental side effects.
Switzerland therefore recently decided against the introduction of nationwide mammography screening. Similar numbers are available for the skin cancer check. Of the 1,000 people who regularly drop all covers in front of the dermatologist, 340 get an abnormal finding – and live through days of great anxiety until the result of the biopsy. But only three of them actually have a tumor. Are the worries this causes worth it? Is a single life saved worth the stress of the other subjects being studied? Everyone has to evaluate and answer these questions for themselves. If skin cancer screening and mammography make you feel good, go! However, if you decide against it, be sure to pay attention to any changes yourself and go to the doctor if you notice any abnormalities.
“In any case, you will benefit from the study”
You can actually prevent skin cancer: by carefully applying sunscreen on sunny days. At the same time, the solution to the problem lies in the sometimes justified criticism of the benefits of some early detection methods: it is not the examination that causes damage to body and soul, but the handling of it. Doctors can alleviate fears by explicitly speaking of preliminary stages or a suspicion and not immediately of cancer. And we patients can try to remain calm, to act thoughtfully despite the fear and not to paint the devil on the wall right away. Only rarely is a suspicion confirmed. dr Blohm knows how to do it: “Realize that you will definitely benefit from the study. If nothing is found – great! And if it does, there is the greatest possible chance of recovery,” explains the doctor.
Distance for early detection examinations
In addition to early cancer detection, everyone over 35 is entitled to a “Check-up 35” every two years. The family doctor looks for signs of diabetes as well as cardiovascular and kidney diseases. The half-yearly appointment with the dentist, who inspects the teeth, mouth and throat, is also one of the health insurance benefits that are intended to prevent things from getting worse. Bone density measurement, on the other hand, serves more to diagnose osteoporosis than to detect it early. If certain risk factors are present and bone fractures have already occurred, the health insurance company will pay the fee.
There is disagreement about the early detection of glaucoma. In the worst case, the eye disease (glaucoma) can lead to blindness. Therefore, some doctors recommend testing the optic nerve and intraocular pressure for anyone over the age of 40. However, the statutory health insurance funds only cover the approximately 30 euros in cases of suspicion. The message of all early detection measures is undisputed: Take good care of yourself! While there are no guarantees, the best way to protect yourself is by leading a healthy lifestyle and avoiding the all-round risk factors of obesity, alcohol and smoking. Prevention, not ignoring the signs and then making sure by visiting the doctor that countermeasures are taken in good time – these three points form the dream team for your health.
