Dr. Davidicus Wong of PrimeCare Medical Center in Burnaby reminds us when to get tested for diabetes, cancer and high blood pressure.
The national primary care crisis and the pandemic’s changes in how primary care physicians interact with patients, both virtually and in-person, are moving healthcare further toward reactive rather than proactive care.
Screening tests are recommended procedures and other investigations to detect health problems such as diabetes, cancer, and high blood pressure early and improve outcomes for patients with these diseases. These are regularly revised based on gender and age, according to the best medical evidence.
It is not uncommon for patients to not see their GP since the pandemic began. Now he is over 4 years old. The unfortunate truth is that most of the medical stuff is reactive rather than proactive and proactive.
If you have a problem like a respiratory infection or troubling symptoms like fatigue, chest pain, or weight changes, you’ll usually make an appointment with your health care provider.
If you’re lucky enough to have a primary care doctor, and you have an appointment, and that doctor isn’t in a hurry, take the time to review your chart and address any current concerns, as well as remind you if you have a due date. I’ll give it to you. For screening tests such as blood pressure tests, pap smears, mammograms, and diabetes screening.
However, this does not happen at most medical facilities, and there may be no way to know when and what screening tests are needed.
A simple quiz to test your knowledge about screening tests.
- When should I get tested for high blood pressure?
High blood pressure (140/90 or higher in a medical setting or 135/85 or higher at home) is a subclinical and usually asymptomatic risk factor for stroke, kidney failure, and heart disease (angina pectoris, heart attack, ) may increase your risk of arterial disease, including heart failure).
Adults age 18 and older should have their blood pressure checked by a doctor or nurse at least once a year.
- When does a woman need a Pap smear?
A Pap test is a test that takes cells from the cervix to detect cancer at an early stage when it can be treated. This test starts when he is 25 years old and, if normal, is repeated every three years. A woman can stop screening if she is 70 years old and she has had three consecutive normal cervical cancers in the past 10 years.
- Do I need a diabetes test?
Diabetics have decreased glucose tolerance. This is a metabolic disease that, if untreated, can increase the risk of kidney disease, blindness, nerve damage, and vascular disease.
People who are at high risk based on the FINDRISC or CANRISK calculator (available online) should have a fasting blood glucose or Hb a1c blood test every 3 to 5 years. People at very high risk need annual blood tests.
- When is a mammogram recommended?
Breast cancer is easier to treat and is often curable if detected on a mammogram before a lump is felt. The current recommendation is to start at age 50 and continue every two years until age 69. However, women ages 40 to 49 and their 70s and older should discuss the risks and benefits of screening with their doctors. If my 72-year-old patient is healthy and has a long life expectancy, I would recommend continuing mammography screenings, as the risk of breast cancer increases with age.
- How is colon cancer tested?
Colon cancer usually begins as a polyp in the large intestine, which can bleed and the blood may not show up in the stool. BC’s screening test is FIT (fecal immunochemical test), which requires a small amount of stool. It is recommended that all adults over age 50 have a colonoscopy every 2 to 3 years until age 70. In other states and countries, colonoscopies are available at public expense as a 10-year screening test.
- When should men start testing for prostate cancer?
As men age, testosterone stimulates the growth of the prostate gland in the neck of the bladder. With benign enlargement of the prostate, most men notice a gradual decrease in urine output, the bladder not emptying completely, and dribbling even when you think it’s finished.
If peeing off a dock were an Olympic sport, the 80-year-old’s world record would be less than a few inches short.
Men over 50 should discuss their prostate health with their doctor and ask about a digital rectal exam. Don’t expect high-tech, non-invasive scans. Digital refers to the doctor’s lubed, gloved fingers. Don’t ask for a second opinion. Otherwise, the doctor may use two fingers. The PSA blood test is not covered as a screening test for his MSP. However, this approximately $40 lab test may detect prostate cancer before it is palpable during a digital rectal exam. Men should discuss the value of this test with their doctor.
All screening tests are intended for people who do not have symptoms and are at average risk for these symptoms.
A family history of breast, prostate, or colon cancer may increase your risk, so screening at an earlier age than the general population is recommended.
If a woman feels pain or feels a lump in her breast, she should see a doctor right away, as a rapid diagnostic mammogram after a physical exam may be a more appropriate test.
If you notice blood in your stool, consistent changes in stool shape, or persistent changes in your bowel movements, you should see your doctor and possibly have an emergency colonoscopy.
Dr. Davidicus Wong is a family physician in Burnaby. now Since 1991.
If you’re not sure if your new symptoms warrant seeing a doctor, or if you’re not sure which screening tests you or your loved one should take, Dr. Wong will be offering a free online appointment on Thursday, February 29, 2024 We will hold a talk. From 7pm to 8:30pm.
The theme is understanding symptoms and screening tests.
Dr. Wong will discuss recommended screening tests based on gender and age, and how to determine which symptoms are normal and when it’s time to see a doctor.
This is part of the Burnaby Family Practice Department’s patient-empowering health education program.
To register, email Leona at lcullen@burnabydivision.ca, call 604-259-4450 or visit: Zoom link for the event.