But, says Rakel, many of us are simply uninformed about necessary health screening. In many countries, that would be unheard of. It would be unacceptable for pregnant women not to see a doctor. As a society, Rakel says, we don't accept responsibility for educating our members. Imagine if you were, too.
Early detection makes a significant and proven difference in the treatment of disease.
Yet Rakel is baffled about our individual and societal resistance to keeping ourselves healthy. Yet only 2 percent of adults avail themselves of a test that would detect colon cancer in the early, treatable stages. Statistics like that give merit to the idea of mandated health checkups. But since it's not the law, it's up to you to take responsibility for your regular checkups and routine tests. Being informed is the first step, says Rakel.