As the end of the year approaches, people who were unable to get health checkups are visiting hospitals to get them. Although I receive regular checkups, I often don’t know what paid checkup items I need other than the basic checkup items.
In relation to this, Woo Chang-yoon, an internal medicine specialist at Asan Medical Center in Seoul, spoke on YTN’s ‘Wise Radio Life’ on the 13th about what medical check-ups are required and what are not.
Specialist Woo said, “Actually, it is right not to do a prostate ultrasound. There will always be stories about prostate cancer, but prostate cancer can be seen more sensitively with a blood test called PSA.”
He continued, “A prostate ultrasound is done when you have an enlarged prostate and want to measure its size. To check for prostate cancer, it is correct to do a blood test, so you can skip the ultrasound.”
Additionally, Specialist Woo added, “There is no need to perform CT and ultrasound examinations together unless there is a special purpose.”
For example, if you are a man in your mid-40s and are obese, it is recommended to do an abdominal ultrasound, but there is no need to do an abdominal CT. Specialist Woo said that there is no need to do an ultrasound because most cancers are filtered out through chest and abdominal CT and upper colonoscopy.
Specialist Woo said that there is no need to have an MRI unless there is a special purpose. He said, “Usually MRI scans a lot of the brain, but it is not done to look for cancer. The incidence of brain cancer in the middle age group is really low, so I don’t necessarily recommend it.”
He continued, “The reason for getting a brain MRI is to check for any unknown brain aneurysms, but because the probability of this is so low, it is not recommended for the general population.” He added, “If you feel worried at least once in your life, you can get it done at least once. . “This is because there is no radiation exposure,” he said.
Specialist Woo selected ‘colonoscopy’ as an item that must be examined. He said, “National screening standards say that stomach cancer starts at age 40 and colon cancer starts at age 50, but the number of young people with colon cancer is increasing very quickly. “Colon cancer in young people in our country ranks first,” he said.
He said, “The prognosis for colon cancer is poor for younger people because it is about six months later than older people to be diagnosed after symptoms appear,” adding, “Because the prognosis is poor due to delayed diagnosis, there are uncomfortable symptoms or a family member who has colon cancer.” “If you have a history of cancer or something like this, I recommend getting a checkup in your 40s or later.”
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Jo Yoo-kyung, Donga.com reporter [email protected]
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How can individuals stay informed about necessary screenings and tests for their health?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Woo Chang-yoon on Essential Health Check-ups
Time.news Editor (E): Welcome, Dr. Woo. As we approach the end of the year, many people are making a beeline for health check-ups. What advice can you offer those who may be unsure about what tests are necessary?
Dr. Woo Chang-yoon (W): Thank you for having me. It’s quite common for individuals to feel overwhelmed by the plethora of available check-ups. The key is to identify what is essential based on risk factors and age.
E: That’s a great point. You mentioned on ‘Wise Radio Life’ that there’s often a misconception about certain tests, like the prostate ultrasound. Can you clarify why you believe this test might not be necessary for everyone?
W: Absolutely. While there’s understandable concern around prostate health, prostate cancer can be effectively screened through a blood test called PSA. An ultrasound should only be done if there are already signs of an enlarged prostate, as it primarily measures size rather than detecting cancer.
E: Interesting. What about other imaging tests like CT scans and MRIs? Are there specific situations where these are justified?
W: Generally, there’s no need to do both CT and ultrasound unless there’s a specific reason. For men in their mid-40s who are obese, I recommend an abdominal ultrasound; however, a CT usually isn’t needed as many cancers can be filtered through regular checks like chest and abdominal CTs.
As for MRIs, especially brain MRIs, I don’t recommend them for the general population due to the low incidence of brain cancer. They might be warranted if other symptoms present or if there’s a personal history of brain conditions, but again, they carry no radiation exposure.
E: That puts things into perspective. What would you say are the must-have tests for someone entering their 40s?
W: Colonoscopy is crucial. National guidelines recommend screenings for stomach cancer starting at age 40 and for colon cancer at 50. However, we’re seeing a troubling rise in colon cancer among younger individuals. Those with family histories or concerning symptoms should think about getting screened in their 40s. The prognosis often worsens in younger patients due to later diagnoses.
E: It sounds like awareness is key here, especially for younger people regarding colon cancer. How do you suggest people stay informed about what tests they should undergo?
W: Communication with your healthcare provider is essential. Regular consultations can help tailor a screening schedule based on personal and family medical history. It’s vital to advocate for your health, especially if you notice symptoms that warrant further investigation.
E: Thank you, Dr. Woo, for these invaluable insights. As we prioritize our health, understanding which check-ups are necessary can make a significant difference.
W: Thank you for the opportunity to share this important information. Remember, being proactive about your health is the best step you can take.