[Health Column] How to Properly Avoid Health Checkup Tests That Do More Harm Than Good

 

Hello, this is Director Choi Woo-hyuk.

 

When you get a health checkup, you may wonder, “Do I really need to do this?”

The list is growing, and not all tests are beneficial to my health.

If unnecessary tests only increase radiation exposure and costs There are quite a few.

Here A prosecutor who does more harm than good and Key tests you must take Let's clearly distinguish between them.

Why should we 'select' health checkup items?

📢 More is not always better.

 

The more health checkup items there are, the more reassuring it becomes,
In reality Tests that only increase information but do not lead to action There are many too.

• ✔️ The purpose of the checkup is Early detection and manageability

• ⚠️ Even if discovered, a test that does not lead to management or treatment is of little value.

• ✔️ I Controllable tests The key is to choose based on your preferences

 

What are the mandatory health checkups that the country requires?

📢 This is not an option, it's a default .

🔹 Nationally supported screening for the five major cancers

• stomach cancer : Gastroscopy

• colon cancer : Fecal occult blood test → If positive, colonoscopy

• liver cancer : Abdominal ultrasound (high-risk group)

• cervical cancer : Cervical cancer screening

• breast cancer : Mammography (age 40 or older)

👉 These items are The most basic of the basics , and it is an examination that cannot be missed.

 

 

What is the starting point of all testing?

📢 The starting point of all health checkups is Blood and urine tests no see.

 

• ✔️ Check basic indicators such as anemia, liver function, blood sugar, and cholesterol

• ✔️ If there is something wrong with your body, it will be revealed first in numbers.

• ✔️ If there are any abnormal findings, consider imaging tests as the next step.

👉 It is not efficient to go straight to CT/MRI without this step.

 

Why are ultrasound examinations so important?

📢 Less burden, more information .

 

Ultrasound can examine organs in real time without radiation exposure.

🔸 Ultrasound examinations to consider

• Abdominal ultrasound : Regardless of gender, check regularly

• Thyroid ultrasound : Important even among young people

• Breast ultrasound (female) : Considered from a relatively early age

 

✔️ You can hear explanations right during the test Easy to understand the results and move on to the next action

 

What additional tests should I consider based on my age and family history?

📢This test is not necessary for everyone.

🔹 Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular related

• coronary artery CT : If you have a family history of cardiovascular disease

• Brain MRA : If you are over 40 years old and have high blood pressure

👉 It only makes sense when there are certain risk factors.

 

 

 

What health checkup items have more harm than good?

📢These items require caution.

 

⚠️ Abdominal CT without contrast enhancement

• Long-term distinction is limited

• Little information is available about radiation exposure.

⚠️ PET-CT (for evaluating metastasis in cancer patients)

• Tests for patients undergoing cancer treatment

• For healthy people High radiation burden

⚠️ MRI of the back and limbs without symptoms

• If there is no pain or symptoms, it is not effective for screening purposes.

• Low utilization of results

⚠️ Asymptomatic cardiac ultrasound

• No special tests required unless there are any abnormalities

 

How should I decide on the timing and items for a health checkup?

📢Avoid peak season and only take care of the essentials.

• 📅 Choose a relatively quiet time compared to the peak season at the end of the year

• ✔️ Basic examination + national support screening + ultrasound center

• ⚠️ Other items Choose according to your situation

 

 

FAQ

Q1. Isn't it better to have more inspection items?

A1. No. Testing that doesn't lead to management only creates confusion.

 

Q2. Wouldn't it be better to get a CT or MRI scan at least once?

A2. Imaging tests taken without symptoms or risk factors may do more harm than good.

 

Q3. What should I do if I'm confused about which test to take?

A3. It is safest to consult with a doctor based on the results of a basic checkup.

 

conclusion

✔️ You don't need to do all the tests
✔️ Focusing on national support screening, basic examinations, and ultrasound
✔️ Choosing only the tests that are meaningful to you is the wisest way to manage your health.

If necessary, definitely Decision made through consultation with a specialist do.

 

 

 

 

Director Choi Woo-hyuk

Graduated from Korea University's College of Life Sciences
Graduated from Kyung Hee University College of Medicine
Kyung Hee University Hospital Resident
Regular member of the Korean Society of Dermatology