The Importance of Routine Medical Checks and Specialized Tests: Prevention Through Early Diagnosis || ▪︎ Dr Akinola Ayobami

Do not wait for symptoms before you start caring for your health

One of the most common misconceptions about healthcare is that medical attention is necessary only when a person is unwell. In reality, some serious diseases can develop silently for months or even years before producing noticeable symptoms. By the time symptoms become apparent, the disease may already have progressed significantly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is why routine medical check-ups and appropriate screening tests are essential components of preventive healthcare. Screening is intended to identify certain diseases or risk factors in individuals who may feel completely healthy, enabling healthcare professionals to intervene at an earlier stage.

 

*Why Routine Health Checks Matter*

 

Routine health checks provide an opportunity to assess an individual’s overall health, identify risk factors and detect disease at an early stage.

*Conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and certain cancers may initially produce few or no symptoms*. Regular screening can identify abnormalities before they result in serious complications. Early diagnosis also creates an opportunity for lifestyle modification, medication or other appropriate treatment before a condition becomes more difficult to manage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For example, high blood pressure is often referred to as a “*silent killer” because many people are unaware that they have it. Regular blood-pressure measurement is therefore an important component of preventive care.

 

Evidence-based guidelines recommend screening adults for hypertension, with confirmation outside the clinic when an elevated reading is detected.

Routine examinations also enable healthcare professionals to compare results over time. Gradual changes in blood sugar, cholesterol, kidney function, weight or blood pressure may provide important warning signs, even when an individual feels completely well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic Tests That May Form Part of an Appropriate Health Assessment

The tests required vary according to age, sex, occupation, lifestyle, family history, previous medical conditions and other risk factors. However, some basic assessments commonly considered during routine medical evaluations include:

 

1. *Blood Pressure Measurement*

 

This is one of the simplest and most important health assessments. Persistent hypertension increases the risk of stroke, heart disease, kidney disease and other complications

 

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2. *Weight, Height and Body Mass Index*

Assessment of weight and body mass index (BMI), together with waist circumference where appropriate, can help identify overweight, obesity and related metabolic risks

 

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3 *Blood Sugar Testing*

 

Fasting blood glucose and/or HbA1c may be used to assess for diabetes or prediabetes, particularly in individuals with risk factors such as overweight, obesity, a family history of diabetes or increasing age.

 

4. *Lipid Profile*

 

A lipid profile measures parameters such as total *cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides*

Abnormal levels may increase cardiovascular risk and may require lifestyle modification or medical treatment.

 

5. *Full Blood Count (FBC)*

 

A full blood count provides information about haemoglobin, red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. It may help identify conditions such as anaemia or other abnormalities requiring further investigation.

 

6. *Urinalysis*

 

Routine urine examination can provide indications of urinary tract disease, kidney problems, diabetes and other conditions.

 

7. *Kidney and Liver Function Tests*

 

Depending on an individual’s risk profile, tests such as serum creatinine/eGFR, electrolytes and liver enzymes may be useful in assessing kidney and liver health.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. *Eye Examination*

 

Periodic eye examinations can detect visual problems and may also identify eye conditions or provide clues to systemic diseases.

These assessments should not necessarily be performed at the same frequency for everyone. A qualified healthcare professional should determine which tests are appropriate based on the individual’s circumstances.

Specialized Screening and Diagnostic Tests

Some individuals require additional investigations because of their age, sex, symptoms, family history, occupation or specific risk factors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cancer Screening

Cancer screening is particularly important because some cancers can be detected before symptoms develop. The objective is to identify cancer at an early stage or, in some cases, detect precancerous changes before cancer develops.

Depending on age, sex and risk profile, appropriate screening may include:

 

*Cervical cancer screening*

: HPV testing, Pap smear/cytology or other recommended cervical screening methods.

 

*Breast cancer screening*

 

mammography and, where clinically indicated, other breast-imaging techniques.

 

*Colorectal cancer* screening: stool-based tests and/or colonoscopy according to age and risk.

 

*Prostate assessment*

: discussion of prostate cancer risk and consideration of PSA testing in appropriately selected men.

 

*Lung cancer*

screening: low-dose CT for certain individuals with substantial smoking histories who meet established eligibility criteria.

Importantly, not every person requires every cancer test. Screening recommendations depend on age, sex, risk factors and the potential benefits and harms of the particular screening programme.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Cardiovascular Assessment*

 

For individuals with cardiovascular risk factors, a doctor may recommend additional investigations such as:

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Echocardiography

Exercise stress testing where clinically indicated

Ambulatory blood-pressure monitoring

Holter monitoring for selected patients

Other cardiovascular investigations based on symptoms and risk profile

An ECG or advanced cardiac investigation should not automatically be considered necessary for every healthy person. The decision should be guided by a clinical assessment.

Imaging Investigations

Imaging may be useful when there is a specific clinical indication or risk factor. Examples include:

 

*Ultrasound scan

Chest X-ray

Mammography

CT scan

MRI

Doppler ultrasound

Imaging should be requested appropriately rather than solely because a test is technologically available.

 

Unnecessary investigations can result in incidental findings, additional procedures, anxiety and avoidable expense. The World Health Organization emphasizes that effective screening requires appropriate evidence, diagnostic confirmation and access to treatment and follow-up.

 

Other Specialized Tests

Depending on individual circumstances, a doctor may recommend:

 

Thyroid function tests

Hepatitis B and C screening

HIV testing

Sexually transmitted infection screening

Tuberculosis investigations

Bone mineral density testing

Genetic testing for selected hereditary conditions

Hormonal investigations

Endoscopy or colonoscopy

Sleep studies

Specialized neurological investigations

 

*Why Early Diagnosis Can Make a Difference*

 

The value of early diagnosis is not simply that a disease is identified sooner. The primary objective is to identify disease or risk at a stage when intervention can make a meaningful difference.

Early detection can allow:

Early treatment → better disease control → fewer complications → improved quality of life → potentially lower healthcare costs.

*For example, detecting hypertension before it causes a stroke,* identifying diabetes before significant kidney or eye complications develop, or detecting a precancerous lesion before invasive cancer develops can fundamentally alter a person’s health trajectory.

The World Health Organization describes diagnostics as essential tools for prevention, screening, diagnosis, monitoring and treatment across a wide range of diseases.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Do Not Over-Test Yourself*

Routine medical checks are important, but more tests do not automatically mean better healthcare.

There is a distinction between screening and diagnostic testing. Screening is generally performed in people without symptoms to identify those who may be at increased risk. Diagnostic tests are usually performed when symptoms, examination findings or an abnormal screening result require further investigation.

Every test has potential limitations. False-positive results may lead to anxiety, unnecessary repeat testing or invasive procedures, while false-negative results may provide false reassurance.

 

Therefore, people should avoid ordering numerous tests simply because they are available or advertised as *full-body screening*” The best approach is risk-based, age-appropriate and clinically guided screening.

 

*Who Should Be Particularly Careful?*

 

Although everyone can benefit from preventive healthcare, people with certain risk factors should be especially proactive. These include

 

individuals with:

A family history of hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, stroke or cancer

Obesity or physical inactivity

Tobacco use or excessive alcohol consumption

Previous abnormal medical test results

Known chronic diseases

Occupational exposure to health hazards

Increasing age

A history of cancer or precancerous conditions

Persistent or unexplained symptoms

Pregnant women, older adults and people living with chronic illnesses also require appropriately tailored medical monitoring.

The Nigerian Context

In Nigeria, many people unfortunately present to hospitals only when an illness has become severe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial constraints, fear of diagnosis, misconceptions about healthcare and the belief that “I feel fine, therefore I am healthy” can all contribute to delayed presentation.

 

It is therefore important to promote a culture in which healthcare is not limited to treating disease but also includes disease prevention and early detection.

Employers, families, religious organizations, schools, community associations and government agencies can all contribute by encouraging appropriate health screening and health education.

*A Simple Message to Everyone*

*Do not wait until you collapse before checking your blood pressure*.

*Do not wait until you develop excessive thirst, frequent urination or unexplained weight loss before checking your blood sugar*.

*Do not wait until a lump becomes painful before seeking medical attention*

*Do not wait until severe chest pain before thinking about your heart*

*Do not wait until significant visual loss before having your eyes examined*

*Do not assume that because you feel healthy, every disease has been ruled out*

 

 

 

 

Conclusion

Prevention is better than cure, but early detection is one of the most effective links between prevention and successful treatment.

A routine medical check-up should be viewed not as an unnecessary expense but as an investment in future health. However, the appropriate tests should be determined by qualified healthcare professionals based on age, sex, medical and family history, lifestyle and individual risk factors.

The goal is not to perform every test available. The goal is to perform the right test, on the right person, at the right time—and to act appropriately on the result.

Your health is your greatest asset. Check it before it checks you.

 

*Dr Akinola Ayobami writes from Oyo state*