Thread by @twt_malaysia

Ok. 9.45pm, let's start.

This is the result of the poll I made yesterday. Tonight no cerita lah, only some educational discussion.

I assumed Twitterjaya's population is skewed to the younger folks, might explain why 'never been yet' had the most votes.

Let's clarify what r health checkups 1st.

Health checkups r basically screening tests one do, to catch a potential disease early. (disease or condition without any symptoms)

Not discussing abt ppl with regular checks with a known condition.

So what is considered a good screening test? We see many such 'packages' around. RM xxx for a full set of lab tests, imaging scan, etc.

But are they really necessary?

Screening tests r tests with high sensitivity, but not high specificity. Let me give an example.

E.g self breast examination is a great screening tool to identify lumps (sensitive) but a lump does not 100% means cancer (not specific)

So a screening tool/test is useful as a starting point to detect possible problems early but needs further tests to see the real problem.

Ok let's get to a basic health screening. If u dont know, our KIlinik Kesihatans have a myriad of screening tools, like questionnaires to determine are u at risk for diabetes, hypertension, mental health issues, colon cancer, etc.

Best is, no need even to draw any blood.

U can even take charge & do 'checks' at home, like having a blood pressure monitor to see any fluctuations in your pressure.

*note; first see a doctor to know what u need to take note of when checking own BP

But u still can do blood tests and I would recommend this;

*note; this is for healthy adults (no prior medical illness known

There are also 'special screening tests/tools' specific for certain disease which is important to detect early.

They are;

What about X-rays?

Generally, X-rays are not considered a screening tool (except in pre employment/college/uni checks)

I wouldnt recommend any dose of radiation for no reason. If u have chest symptoms, e.g cough, breathlessness, etc, then it will help.

What about cancer (Ca) markers? These r heavily marketed by labs. E.g r CA19-9, CEA, alpha fetoproteins, etc.

In general, Ca markers are not good screening tests & a good doctor will NOT rely on Ca markers ONLY to make a cancer diagnosis.

Ca markers are not a yes/no test. If some levels of Ca markers r elevated, it doesnt mean one has cancer.

It will depend on a host of other things, like history, examination findings, imaging scans, other blood tests to effectively diagnose cancer in someone.

So Ca markers r used when the doctor SUSPECTS cancer & uses the levels to help with diagnosis but alone, it cannot CONFIRM a cancer diagnosis.

I spend a bit more on Ca markers because I know they r not cheap & many ppl seem to get confused with the results.

Conclusion, screening tests/tools r very helpful capture early onset of diseases like hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, breast Ca, etc. to reduce prevalence & complications.

It is also not a single diagnostic tool, if your screening tests flags up something, it should be complemented with proper follow up with doctors who can evaluate, investigate and treat accordingly.

Sekian ceramah malam ini. Shoot any questions, I'll answer till midnight.