Until a few years ago, I was examined every year by my then general practitioner. My new GP says this is not necessary, because I am healthy. However, I am concerned because three people in my immediate family have died of cancer. Now what is good advice? I am 65 years old.
Anonymously
Joris Bartstra, journalist with medical diploma
A general physical examination is usually little more than looking, knocking, touching, listening, and doing some blood tests. If you as a doctor know what symptoms you are looking for, it can provide important clues. If you don’t know what to look for (like an annual check-up), you usually won’t find much. Or you find small abnormalities that could be associated with all kinds of disorders, and you have to find that out. A source of concern and of high costs. To which forms of cancer did your relatives die? If your doctor knows that, he has something to look for. So I would like the discussion with your general practitioner make it more focused.
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