The nation was shocked when it was unexpectedly announced last year that Sir Chris Hoy, 11-time World Champion cyclist and six-time Team GB Olympic champion, has advanced prostate cancer. Dr Abelman, JDoc365 Medical Director, has cared for many cancer patients over the years. He was nonetheless surprised to hear that such a sporting legend finds himself in this position.
The JDoc365 team have been running a tailored Health Screening programme since 2014. Health Screening has successfully detected a variety of conditions early, making treatment more effective. It can detect conditions including prostate and breast cancer, melanomas and cardiovascular irregularities. The programme has also been able to identify the underlying reasons behind tiredness, unexplained weight loss, and renal abnormalities.
Timing is everything
Dr Abelman explains how simple Health Screening seeks out conditions before more noticeable symptoms become apparent. JDoc365 Health Screening consists of a physical examination, tests and scans to help us understand what is happening inside your body at a given point in time, and can provide the early warning needed to treat many conditions before they become more serious. Timing is everything.
Who benefits most from a Health Screen?
In fact, most of us are perfectly fit and healthy. If we look after ourselves and live a healthy, balanced lifestyle, the risk of undetected illness is low. You may have an inkling if something doesn’t feel quite right. Do you have trouble sleeping? Are you stressed or anxious? Do you have diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol? Maybe you’re becoming increasingly aware of getting older (after 45 years, the body can start to show its age). If your lifestyle is sedentary, unbalanced or if you’re overweight, a smoker or a drinker, Health Screening may be a good idea as those of us who present a higher risk are likely to benefit most from the findings.
Early detection is invaluable of course, but we must bear in mind that in many cases we can only establish a level of risk or probability of a condition manifesting itself. We cannot guarantee a false negative, so if no cancer is detected today for example, we can’t say that the patient is ‘immune’ for life. Contrary to popular belief, we might also detect cancer indicators, but they may never escalate into anything more serious. Regular screening is therefore the safest course of action.
What does a Health Screening consist of?
Dr Abelman explains that there is a clearly defined structure to each Health Screening. It’s not rigid though, so the doctor will be able to apply their years of training, experience and insight, tailoring the precise checks and tests to each patient depending on their history, any genetic factors and lifestyle observations.
Each session includes a 20 minute input gathering session with a Health Care Assistant. Having completed an ECG test, urine dip and, if considered necessary, an additional blood test, there’s a one-hour consultation with the doctor. That starts with a good chat. ‘Old school’ maybe, but hard to beat in terms of providing the best possible background briefing.
Dr Abelman and his team base their conclusions on robust, evidence-based medicine and test results, which are supported and qualified by their own observations and findings. They will look at your skin, guts, heart and skeletal condition, and will explore your sleep patterns, mental health, family history and medications. Your social history, marital harmony and place in the community may also be assessed to provide a true and three-dimensional picture of your state of health.
“A precious opportunity…”
In many cases, a Health Screening may reveal that a modest lifestyle adjustment is all that is needed to maximise the quality of life and longevity. A simple cycle of change can often be more effective than radical medical intervention. In the rare cases where chronic conditions are detected however, the sooner treatment can begin, the better the likely outcome.
“On the one hand, I was shocked to discover that I had a melanoma, but so pleased that the early diagnosis gave me such a precious opportunity to divert the course of the disease, and live a longer, healthier and happier life. For that, I will be eternally grateful.” Mrs B
What is my health and peace of mind worth?
If nothing is detected during your Health Screening, you can relax for another year knowing that you’ve done all you can to protect yourself. If something is found however, the opportunity to commence treatment sooner rather than later is invaluable.
JDoc365 Health Screening for private patients is £385. For Club365 Members, a special member rate of just £215 applies. An annual Mini-Health Screen is also available for private patients at just £50. This is included in the Club365 package of benefits so no charge applies to Members.
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