Don’t put it off!

With many medical conditions, early intervention can significantly affect how the condition is treated or how successful the treatment is. If put off, treatment may need to be more invasive, or the condition may deteriorate so that it has a long-term impact on your health. Early intervention may even be the difference between life or death. It’s therefore vital that rather than come up with excuses, we face up to our symptoms and seek medical advice whenever something doesn’t feel right.

As an example of the importance of early intervention, let’s look at three health conditions that can have positive outcomes if diagnosed early on.

Catch cancer early to stop it from spreading

Spotting early signs of many cancers can increase your survival rate. For example, more than 9 in 10 bowel cancer patients survive the disease for five years or more if diagnosed at the earliest stage ^[1].

Diagnosing cancer before it can spread means that your treatment is more likely to be successful. However, many cancers develop inside your body, making them difficult to spot in the early stages. Also, not every person with cancer has symptoms. General cancer symptoms include unexplained pain or ache, very heavy night sweats, unexplained weight loss, fatigue and any unusual lump or swelling anywhere ^[2].

Heart disease can cause serious complications

Heart and circulatory diseases cause a quarter of all deaths in the UK ^[3]. Heart disease can cause many potentially fatal complications if left untreated. Complications include heart failure, heart attacks, strokes, and pulmonary embolisms. Seeking treatment as soon as you experience the early indicators of heart problems, such as high blood pressure or shortness of breath, can result in better outcomes.

Treating diabetes before it affects major organs

With type 2 diabetes, getting diagnosed early is vital to avoid serious complications. If left untreated, diabetes can affect many major organs, including your eyes, heart, and kidneys. Type 2 diabetes can be easy to miss as it develops slowly. Still, the most common symptoms include increased thirst, increased urination, feeling tired and losing weight. Being diagnosed early means that you can manage your blood sugar levels and help prevent these complications ^[4].

The importance of regular check-ups

Regular check-ups to help establish your current health are essential as some severe diseases don’t have any outward symptoms. Health checks can also identify risks you may face in the future so that you can make lifestyle changes that help you to live a healthy life now and in the future.

ECIS offer Bupa health assessments at discounted rates. A range of assessments are available so you can pick the one that’s right for you.

How ECIS scheme members can benefit

The ECIS policy includes additional services beyond access to just hospital treatment which can help you get treatment for the symptoms you may have. Whether it’s concerns over cancer, mental health or muscle, bone and joint conditions, ECIS PMI scheme members can call Bupa’s Direct Access Service, who will triage the member and provide an onward referral if necessary. The Babylon Digital GP service also provides access to a GP 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The time it takes to make a phone call could be lifesaving, so Don’t Put It Off. It’s better to have the peace of mind that nothing is wrong rather than waiting until it’s too late to get it checked.

If you are thinking of a PMI policy for your employees or would like ECIS to review your current arrangement, speak to the ECIS team on 0330 221 0241 or email ecis@ecins.co.uk.

[1] https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-symptoms/why-is-early-diagnosis-important

[2] https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-symptoms

[3] https://www.bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/news-from-the-bhf/contact-the-press-office/facts-and-figures

[4] https://www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-the-basics/diabetes-symptoms