"One of the greatest deterrents and one of the strongest arsenals against disease is having a relationship with a primary healthcare professional who can provide access into the medical system and can appropriately interpret signs and symptoms," advocates Edward T. Creagan, MD, a cancer specialist at Mayo Clinic. "Equally important, careful physical examination and a thorough medical history might detect an early-stage illness or developing condition when it is potentially curable and probably controllable."
In his book, How Not to Be My Patient, Dr. Creagan says: "The earlier a cancer is detected and treated, the better the prognosis. I know of no cancer in which the prognosis of a far-advanced cancer is better than that of an early-stage cancer."
Therefore, choose a trusted healthcare provider to be your partner in health. Together, outline a plan for health screening.
"Ultimately your health is in your hands. No one has a greater stake in your health than you do," says Dr. Creagan.
Check out health checklists for men and health checklists for women.
Also, click here to learn which questions to ask your doctor. |
