Early detection remains critical in diagnosing health conditions, as it can improve treatment outcomes. Several ailments may develop and continue to progress without causing any noticeable symptoms. You may feel healthy and assume that since there are no symptoms and nothing major is disrupting your day, everything is fine. However, such conditions may be detected at an early stage only through regular health check-ups, making preventive screening mandatory so that you can stay ahead. This is especially true for many cancers.
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Let’s hear from a specialist about the essential preventive screenings recommended for different age groups. Dr Sreedhara V, surgical gastroentrologist and robotic surgeon at Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, warned against waiting for symptoms to appear, as the condition may have already progressed by then. Even when you see no noticeable signs, vulnerability to certain health conditions may increase with age.
“As a Gastroenterology specialist, I wish people viewed preventive screening as a vital part of healthy living, not just a reaction to illness,” he said, reminding people of the need to make regular screenings a part of routine, instead of only undergoing them when symptoms are spotted.
“The challenge is that many cancers develop silently without early pain or noticeable signs. Advancements in medicine have made early detection straightforward, sometimes identifying premalignant changes before they become cancer.”
Preventive screenings may detect cancer even before symptoms emerge, and sometimes, if it is early enough, with the help of doctors, you can prevent it from developing into cancer.
Here’s a brief guide from the expert on when adults should get tested for what, depending on age.
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Besides age, the doctor also emphasised several other factors that may increase a person’s susceptibility to health problems. These require an in-person consultation with a medical expert to determine a tailored screening schedule. “Age alone does not dictate needs. Family history, smoking, alcohol, obesity, infections, and genetics shape when and how often to screen. Consulting a medical expert creates a tailored schedule matching your unique profile.”
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Dr Sreedhara V has over 15 years of experience, and his special areas of expertise include abdominal wall hernias, inguinal and ventral hernia repair, upper GI and bariatric surgery, and more. He performed over 530 robotic procedures and 54+ different robotic surgeries.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
