Doctors currently state that most diseases are becoming younger, regardless of age. Whichever medical facility you visit, you witness long queues. It is true that this situation has become more widespread in our country after the implementation of mandatory health insurance. This is because access to certain examinations has become available for low-income families, dependent on financial means. Specialists recommend that everyone undergo a "check-up" examination once a year.
A "check-up" examination is a set of medical examinations conducted to periodically check the health of people who are not sick, and to detect and prevent diseases in their early stages. It is a screening service recommended to be performed once a year for all age groups, even those without complaints. When you consider that young people aged 18-20 and people aged 50-60 face the same diseases, you start thinking about getting a "check-up" examination. However, the issue is that the treatment and recovery time for an older and a younger person differ. The young organism reacts faster to treatment and recovers quickly. In older people, this process is very slow, and treatment sometimes does not yield positive results.
One might wonder, what examinations are important for a person after the age of 60? We approached Yazgül Abdıyeva, Doctor of Medical Sciences and healthcare expert, with this question. The doctor spoke about the necessary examinations for everyone after a certain age and stated:
– When discussing this issue, a very extensive list emerges. Scientists, based on their research and experiments, have concluded that it is important to undergo regular comprehensive examinations after the age of 60 to detect potential diseases early. In such a case, we are compelled to answer a question: Is it really necessary to undergo dozens of tests, or is there a more reasonable approach to examination and health? Perhaps it is more appropriate to have all organs undergo MRI scans?
– Do you think so?
– It cannot be said that I am entirely of that opinion. To think so, it is worth clarifying the basic concept first. A medical examination is not simply a test or analysis "just in case"; it is a set of scientific, medically reliable, and specific tests and analyses aimed at reducing the risk of serious illness and death. Long-term studies have concluded that the main evidence-based medicine recommendations for people over 60 can be summarized in several key areas.
– What are these areas and how are the examinations conducted?
– First, I can say that one of the important ones is colorectal cancer screening. To perform this examination, colonoscopy or a less invasive fecal occult blood test is used. These tests allow for the detection of problems at the earliest stages, often when symptoms are not yet apparent.
The next examination is the monitoring of cardiovascular risks (blood pressure, sugar, cholesterol). Regular monitoring of these indicators can help prevent heart attack, stroke, and diabetes. For example, since cardiovascular diseases remain one of the leading causes of death as always, simply measuring blood pressure is the most accessible monitoring method.
Glucose (sugar) and cholesterol tests should be performed annually for everyone over 40. Blood pressure should be measured at least once a year by a doctor, and regularly at home if risk factors are present.
– Do these examination tests apply to both sexes?
– They apply to both sexes, but are conducted differently. For women, mammography is recommended at this age. This is the primary method for early detection of breast cancer. In many European countries, this test is part of the oncological screening program with a referral from a general practitioner. In our country, however, this examination is recommended when signs of suspected cancer are observed. In addition, cervical cancer screening (cytology and HPV swab) is performed. This test is also included in the oncological screening program. It helps identify precancerous changes caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
For individuals between 30 and 65 years old, the frequency of examination depends on the results. If HPV is not detected during the examination, a test every 5 years is sufficient. However, if HPV is positive in the analyses, the test is performed annually or individually as recommended by the doctor. After the age of 65, this screening test is performed even without specific indications.
In men, the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test is not universal and is mainly considered appropriate for initial diagnosis in men without obvious complaints.
In addition, Bone Densitometry (Bone Mineral Density Assessment) is performed. This diagnostic method detects osteoporosis, a condition where bones become brittle and the risk of fracture increases. In Europe, this test is recommended for all women in high-risk groups (e.g., those with low weight, calcium and vitamin D deficiency, or early menopause) and for men according to individual indications.
– So, which tests are not necessary to undergo?
– That's the right question. There are some tests that are not usually beneficial to undergo "just in case" and can lead to false alarms, unnecessary repeat examinations, and waste of resources. One of these is MRI scans of the entire body or individual organs without clear medical indications. Furthermore, it is not advisable to have frequent general blood tests (e.g., monthly) if there is no illness. Sometimes, as soon as people feel any discomfort, they undergo blood tests for tumor markers (e.g., CEA, CA-125, etc.) for early cancer screening. This is unacceptable. Because the anxiety and stress a person experiences until the results of these tests are obtained can affect their health. At the same time, there is no need for in-depth analysis of trace elements and hormones (vitamin D, ferritin, thyroid hormones, etc.) without a doctor's consultation. As much as we say that early diagnosis is the main condition for treatment, science and conducted research prove that it is necessary to strictly follow the doctor's recommendation and undergo examinations only when needed and upon their indication.
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