Yesterday, I wrote about what I considered the MHMS/NRH should consider implementing as a wider approach to preventative medicine and screening services because of the health benefits for Solomon Islanders and the cost savings to the existing form of the local health system.
I suggested, as part of my letter, that Australia might be asked to play more of a supportive role to the MHMS and the NRH in preventative medicine and screening programs.
I took a look at what is the current practice in Australia in relation to both preventative medicine and screening, and I will share some of my findings.
Quote.
The government funds various screens and tests recommended for people at various ages and life stages, as well as general health indicators such as blood pressure, blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels. The government funds these tests because the health benefits for Australians and health system cost savings are calculated to outweigh the costs of supplying the tests. But advances in medical technology and lower costs of equipment have seen many common diagnostic procedures and technologies being used to screen for diseases and conditions in people without any symptoms
A percentage of people will benefit from the early detection of a disease or condition they were completely unaware of, potentially saving lives.
The tests you should have
These mainstream screening tests are recommended for the relevant people:
- Mammogram for breast cancer. Recommended every two years for women aged 50-74.
- Faecal occult blood test for bowel cancer. Provided by the government for people aged 50, 55, 60 and 65.
- Bone mineral density (BMD) scan for osteoporosis. Recommended for women at the start of menopause, for women after menopause and for men according to medical advice (based on risk).
- Pap smear for cervical cancer. Recommended every two years for women over 18 who've ever had sex.
Other useful screening tests include:
- blood pressure test for hypertension
- blood lipid screening for cholesterol and triglycerides
- blood glucose test for type 2 diabetes
- vision and eye health, including cataracts (a clouding of the lens), macular degeneration (the macular is the very central area of the retina) and glaucoma (a group of diseases where the optic nerve is gradually destroyed).
A test to consider:
- PSA and rectal examination. Some recommend once a year for men aged 50-70 to detect prostate cancer.
End of quote
Source. Choice.
Comment
Australia is a major contributor and substantial donor funder of the Solomon Islands health service and has been for many years, but my personal view is that the Australian Government, like at home in Australia, should see the value of promoting preventative medicine practices and help to both fund and initiate the commencement of regular screening programs in the Solomon Islands, especially for the screening tests described as “must-have”
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
