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. Men’s Health Week this year focused their message on the importance of taking notice of what’s going on in your mind and body. It’s therefore vital that we gain the courage to face up to any symptoms we may have and seek medical advice whenever something doesn’t feel right. Don’t Put It Off!
Here are just some health conditions that can have positive outcomes if diagnosed early on.
Catch cancer early to stop it 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. Diagnosing cancer before it can spread means treatment is more likely to be successful. However, many cancers can be difficult to spot in the early stages. Also, not every person with cancer has symptoms. General cancer symptoms include unexplained pain, heavy night sweats, unexplained weight loss, fatigue and any unusual lumps or swelling anywhere.
Heart disease can cause serious complications
Heart and circulatory diseases cause a quarter of all deaths in the UK. Heart disease can cause many potentially fatal complications if left untreated. Complications include heart failure, strokes, and pulmonary embolisms. Seeking treatment as soon as you experience any symptoms, such as high blood pressure or shortness of breath, can result in better outcomes.
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.
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.
ECA Member benefits
Provided through our intermediary company ECIS, the Bupa policy, provided as part of the JIB benefit credit, includes additional services beyond access to just hospital treatment which can help you get treatment for any symptoms may have. Whether it’s concerns over cancer, mental health or muscle, bone and joint conditions, JIB 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 is takes to make a phone call, could be life-saving 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 to checked.
If you are thinking of a PMI policy or would like ECIS to review your current arrangement, speak to the ECIS team on 0330 221 0241, email ecis@ecins.co.uk or visit www.ecins.co.uk.