A Physical Exam and Early Detection of Disease Could Save Your Life

It is wise to schedule a physical exam once per year. Most adults fail to do so simply because they are too busy and preoccupied with obligations such as work. The problem is that not going to the doctor is incredibly risky. With serious health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and even cancer, early detection is absolutely critical for treating the problem.

If one does not visit the doctor, then there is a strong chance that an issue can go undetected until the symptoms reach lethal states. This is a situation that no one wants to be in because it can even impact survival.

Early detection saves lives

With cancer, early detection can make the difference between surviving or an early death. Consider these statistics:

According to the American Cancer Society, women diagnosed with breast cancer have a 93 percent survival rate if the cancer is diagnosed at stage II. Those who do not receive a diagnosis until stage III, have a 72 percent survival rate.

While cervical cancer is incredibly deadly, early detection increases the rate of survival significantly. According to Cancer.net, early diagnosis of cancer increases the survival rate to 91 percent. If it is not caught until it has spread to a far reaching part of the body, the survival rate is only 17 percent.

With both of these cancers, it can be possible to identify them in the early stages with a regular physical exam. This exam can save a person's life by creating the opportunity to treat cancer before it spreads and the treatments are no longer effective.

Heart disease also needs to be treated early

Cancer is not the only condition that takes lives. Heart disease is also a serious problem that can claim lives of both men and women. It is necessary to treat heart disease early on and before a heart attack takes place. Fortunately, this is possible to do. There are signs that a person may be at risk for a heart attack before they ever feel the first twinge in their chest.

Things like high cholesterol and high blood pressure are common indicators that heart disease exist and both of them can be treated through regular medication, diet and exercise. This makes it possible for someone to avoid having a heart attack that may of otherwise suffer a massive coronary and potentially die.

Again, the only way to know that something like high cholesterol is present is to visit a doctor and have a physical exam.

Schedule an appointment

Visiting our office for an examination is important for early detection and treatment of disease but it is also beneficial from the perspective of living a healthy and full life. Those who are suffering from health problems find it difficult to have the energy necessary to play with their children, go for walks, take a vacation or to simply enjoy life.

These underlying health issues can have a negative impact on a person's overall sense of self and well-being. With a regular examination, we can provide a continuity of care and help patients to see that the struggles they are having are treatable and preventable.

To schedule an appointment for improved health or for the security that comes with being able to detect problems early, call our clinic today.