Don’t Procrastinate When It Comes to Your Health – Here Are Some Reasons to See a Doctor

Like many people, you can probably come up with a long list of reasons and rationalizations – many of which are legitimate – that keep you away from doctors’ offices. Maybe you don’t have health insurance or are unsure of how to go about finding a trusted physician. Perhaps you are fearful of what you might find out. Of course, an unbearable pain might stop you in your tracks and prompt you to seek medical attention right away. But, there are other, more subtle reasons that may call for a medical appointment sooner rather than later.

If fear, complacency or anything else is keeping you from receiving the health care you need and deserve, there are some compelling reasons why you should break that habit right now. Here are just a few:

• You are unique – While listening to your body, if you sense that something is "off," you might be tempted to simply turn to the Internet and Google your symptoms. While you can find some helpful information online (just be sure to consider the source), nothing can replace the individualized advice and guidance gleaned from a face-to-face meeting with a physician.
• Screening saves many lives – When many serious health conditions, such as breast, prostate and colorectal cancers, are detected early, there are usually more treatment options available, and this can make a key difference in a patient’s outcome and quality of life. Of course, screening tests aren’t available or recommended for every condition and every individual. However, a physician can recommend the appropriate tests and schedule for you.
• Eye examinations can be very telling – An eye exam can do much more than check your eyesight and determine whether you need eyeglasses or contact lenses. This type of test can reveal several eye conditions, as well as a host of other health problems that are sometimes otherwise invisible, such as hypertension, Crohn’s disease and thyroid conditions.

Some people simply feel that they’re too busy to devote time to routine health care. But, consider that good health can be lost in the blink of an eye. If you see your physician before you experience a medical crisis, you may be able to avoid many physical, emotional and financial costs.

If you’re ready to take charge of your health, you are welcome to discuss your cancer screening options with an oncologist at Moffitt Cancer Center. You can request an appointment by calling 1-888-663-3488 or completing a new patient registration form online. We accept new patients with and without referrals.