« These tests allow us to diagnose diseases earlier, to treat them early and to avoid certain complications or even death, » explains Dr. Metagne Verdiane, wife of YAB, a general practitioner at the Biyem-Assi District Hospital.
The health check-up isAA comprehensive medical examination allows for the assessment of overall health and the early detection of potential illnesses, even in the absence of symptoms. It provides a holistic view of how the body functions. However, this examination is increasingly neglected for various reasons, including financial ones: « I’ve never had a health check-up because it’s expensive, » explains Moïse, a patient; a little further on, Martin is waiting for the right person: « I plan to do it once I have a partner with whom I intend to share my life, to avoid any unpleasant surprises. » Yet, this examination is crucial for health.
An examination that allows for the early detection of diseases
For Dr. Metagne Verdiane, wife of YAB, a general practitioner at the Biyem-Assi District Hospital, a health check-up shouldn’t be done only when you’re sick: « These examinations allow for earlier diagnosis of illnesses, early treatment, and the prevention of certain complications or even death. » As such, it falls within the framework of primary prevention (all the means that prevent disease) and secondary prevention (screening).Dr. Metagne confirms this: « The doctor is not only there to treat, but also to prevent. To prevent the patient from becoming ill. Most pathologies have silent manifestations. It is essential to diagnose early to avoid the patient arriving at the hospital with irreversible complications. »
The assessment therefore allows us to act upstream instead of waiting for tertiary prevention, that is to say the treatment of the disease already established.
A tailored approach rather than a haphazard assessment
Is there a specific timeframe for these checkups, for example, every two months? According to Dr. Metagne, the answer depends on the condition and each individual’s profile: « There isn’t a specific timeframe for a comprehensive health assessment. If you request a general assessment without targeting specific issues, it will be like asking for too many tests at once. »
To avoid going in all directions and incurring unnecessary costs, it is essential to tailor the approach to the patient’s specific needs. « First, you have to focus on a particular specialty, » explains the practitioner. For example, in women, the emphasis will be on a gynecological examination to screen for breast or cervical cancer. Other areas can be prioritized, such as infectious disease screening or testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
In conclusion, a check-up is an important examination. A simple, personalized preventative measure, guided by a doctor, remains the best defense for preserving one’s life.
