The greatest aim of medicine is to prevent various diseases by taking care of people's health. For this purpose, preventive programmes have been created, funded from the budget of the Compulsory Health Insurance Fund (PSDF). Their aim is to give people the opportunity to check their health regularly, monitor certain indicators and detect changes in time.
Which preventive programmes are run at the clinic?
Cancer prevention programmes:
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the cervical cancer programme. Carried out for women aged 25 to 60, every three years. A cytological smear test is taken. Once the results are obtained, a biopsy may additionally be performed;
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the breast cancer programme. For women aged 50 to 69, every two years. A mammographic examination is performed;
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early diagnosis of colorectal cancer. For people aged 50 to 74, every two years. A faecal occult blood test is performed. If the result is positive, a referral to a specialist is issued and a colonoscopy, and sometimes a biopsy, is performed;
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early diagnosis of prostate cancer. For men aged 50 to 69, and for men from the age of 45 if their fathers or brothers had prostate cancer, at intervals set by the family doctor. A blood test is performed. Once the results are obtained, the patient may be referred to a urologist, who will perform a prostate biopsy.
Cardiovascular disease programme:
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a programme for people classified as being at high risk of cardiovascular disease. For men aged 40 to 55 and women aged 50 to 65, once a year. An individual cardiovascular disease prevention plan is drawn up. When needed, tests of blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations are ordered, and an electrocardiogram and other preventive-programme tests are performed.
Children's dental prevention programme:
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a programme for sealing children's molars with sealant materials. For children aged 6 to 14. Recently erupted permanent molars are sealed. A check-up is carried out after 3 months. If the sealant falls out, the procedure is repeated.
How can you take part in preventive programmes?
If a person meets the age criterion of a preventive programme, they can contact their family doctor, who will explain the steps of participating in the programme in detail. However, it is important to note that diseases often ignore age. “If you feel unwell, be sure to see a doctor, who will order the necessary tests or refer you to specialists,” encourages family doctor Monika Kvedaraitė.
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