In these days of increasing awareness on the importance of good health, thanks to the profuse inputs published in the health columns of the print media, it is impossible to adhere to the dictum “When one is healthy, one should NEVER ever go for a check up” (Open Page, Nov. 7). A person can ill-afford to take chances with his or her health.
Seshagiri Row Karry,
Hyderabad
Most medical check-ups are conducted unnecessarily, out of greed for money. One compelling need to make money is to make the high-investment health care set-up economically viable. The ideal thing to do is to undergo tests to the extent absolutely necessary. Unfortunately, the person undergoing a health check-up has no say in this.
T. Rama Prasad,
Perundurai
In June 2002, when I was posted in Mexico, I had a mild urinary problem. I thought it was due to the ageing process and wanted to ignore it. But as a doctor was just across the road, I consulted him. He asked me to take a PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test. The results showed that the PSA was abnormally high. A biopsy test was done and I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. After more tests, I was put on hormonal treatment consisting of a tablet a day and an injection once in three months. In three months, the PSA level came down considerably.
On retirement in 2003, I returned to India. Since I responded well to the treatment prescribed by the Mexican doctor, I was allowed to follow it. I go for a review and tests every six months.
R. Ganesh,
Chennai
