Pre-emptive medical screening

[Arzy]

Had the bad situation this weekend of getting a call about one of my extended family members (no actual blood relation) being diagnosed with cancer. Simply put the current diagnosis is that's its terminal.

Person involved is still young, mid thirties, and simply went to the doc for a cold. End result after some further tests is a tragedy.

So, my questions to fellow forumnites, have any of you ever gone for pre-emptive medical screenings? If so, where and how much did it cost?

I ask because I'm actually considering it now, even if I need to pay for it from my own pocket. If there is something that I need to be concerned about I'd rather find out early while its still treatable than find out when its too late.

 

[zll]

The common sense response for me would be "Depends on what type?"

I mean, I was/am having some tummy issues and went to a doctor to get it checked out since the Internet said it was either IBS or cancer. He just used his hands to check if there was anything unusual that he could feel and he thought it was fine and put it down to stress. While my symptoms haven't gotten any worse it hasn't gotten any better either so I have put it down to stress/diet and the fact that I probably do have IBS (it makes sense coz I deal with anxiety/stress issues).

 

[Arzy]

The common sense response for me would be "Depends on what type?"

I mean, I was/am having some tummy issues and went to a doctor to get it checked out since the Internet said it was either IBS or cancer. He just used his hands to check if there was anything unusual that he could feel and he thought it was fine and put it down to stress. While my symptoms haven't gotten any worse it hasn't gotten any better either so I have put it down to stress/diet and the fact that I probably do have IBS (it makes sense coz I deal with anxiety/stress issues).

Well more just general tests to rule out things like cancer etc. I know I'm ok on HIV, collesterol etc. as those are checked yearly anyway. Just don't recall ever having had a cancer screening done.

As I mentioned in my initial post, extended family wasn't feeling well, went to the gp and only now found out she has a terminal disease.

 

[theratman]

I've often wondered this and would be keen to go for a yearly battery of tests. I go for a yearly check up but that'd never pick up those things unless they are manifesting themselves.

 

[Alan]

So, my questions to fellow forumnites, have any of you ever gone for pre-emptive medical screenings? If so, where and how much did it cost?

I ask because I'm actually considering it now, even if I need to pay for it from my own pocket. If there is something that I need to be concerned about I'd rather find out early while its still treatable than find out when its too late.

Do some research and find out what you're most at risk of developing. Then go to your doc and ask for the relevant tests and a full blood count.

EDIT: full blood count is around R200 IIRC