My Clinic introduces comprehensive oncology screening programs in Czechia

A Prague-based clinic is promoting a healthier future by advocating for preventative care.

Expats.cz Staff

Written by Expats.cz Staff Published on 27.06.2023 17:01:00 (updated on 29.06.2023) Reading time: 4 minutes

Czechia, like many countries, faces a challenge when it comes to preventive healthcare. Despite the increasing awareness of the importance of preventive care, the number of individuals participating in screening programs and visiting general practitioners remains disconcertingly low.

One common obstacle to regular preventative screenings is fear. Time and again, patients put off screenings due to anxiety over invasive treatments, bureaucratic hassles involved in visiting specialists, long waits for an appointment, or, for the country’s foreign population, the language barrier.

Recognizing the pressing need for a paradigm shift in healthcare, My Clinic, a renowned healthcare provider, is offering a new Preventive Oncology Screening that empowers individuals to take charge of their health.

"Up to a third of cancers can be avoided through lifestyle changes," says Dr. Kateřina Krejčí,  Chief of General Practice and Internal Medicine at My Clinic. She stresses the significance of two fundamental pillars of preventive care: risk factor avoidance and early disease detection through regular screenings.

  • 87,000+ patients in Czechia are diagnosed with malignant cancer yearly.
  • Approx. 27,000 patients die annually in connection with a malignant tumor, or about one every 20 minutes.
  • In total, approximately 600,000 people in Czechia live with malignant cancer or with a history of having the disease.
  • Skin cancer is the most commonly treated cancer in Czechia, with 72,000 diagnosed patients receiving treatment from VZP in 2022.

My Clinic firmly believes that by adopting a proactive approach, individuals can actively contribute to their own well-being and significantly reduce the burden of preventable diseases.

"Prevention is a collaborative dance between the patient and the healthcare professional," says Dr. Krejčí. "The patient assumes the role of a responsible partner, equipped with basic knowledge about preventive measures and informed about lifestyle programs supported by institutions and insurance companies. On the other hand, healthcare professionals are ready to guide patients, delve into their personal and family history, and identify potential risk factors."

This collaboration, rooted in mutual trust and understanding, establishes a solid foundation for preventive care. However, public health clinics often face limitations particularly when it comes to continuity of care. 

"The family doctor or GP should know every single risk factor of its client; what’s their history so they can recommend lifestyle changes or look at risk factors common for oncology and cardiac diseases and urge screening," says Dr. Krejčí.

My Clinic recognizes the need for adequate time and attention during consultations, which is often lacking in the conventional healthcare system. By providing extended appointment durations, My Clinic ensures that doctors have sufficient time to address patients' concerns, educate them about prevention, and develop personalized strategies for risk reduction.

The clinic also acknowledges the complexity of oncology care and aims to eliminate language barriers to ensure optimal patient experiences.

Proactive individuals who are attuned to their bodies are more likely to seek medical attention at the first sign of any abnormality, rather than succumbing to fear or mistrust in the healthcare system. Late diagnoses can have severe consequences, and MyClinic targets younger, healthier patients to proactively engage in preventive screenings.

In the event of a cancer diagnosis, My Clinic ensures a smooth transition to specialized oncology centers, such as the renowned Oncology Clinic of the 2nd Faculty of Medicine of Charles University and University Hospital Motol in Prague as well as Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute in Brno. Recognizing that language barriers can impede effective communication and cause undue anxiety, MyClinic provides assistance to expats and non-Czech-speaking patients, facilitating seamless communication with healthcare professionals and managing appointments.

SCREENINGS AVAILABLE AT MY CLINIC
Oncology prevention program
Cardiovascular screenings
Ophthalmology screenings
Comprehensive preventive medicine in more than 26 medical specializations

To make preventive care more accessible, My Clinic offers an expedited appointment system for oncology screenings. Unlike the standard waiting time of up to a year for self-paying patients, My Clinic strives to schedule appointments within 1-2 weeks. This commitment to prompt service delivery ensures that individuals can take proactive steps toward their health without unnecessary delays.

Moreover, My Clinic employs healthcare coordinators to assist clients with organizing their preventive screenings. They provide comprehensive information on recommended screenings, their frequency, and the necessary arrangements.

My Clinic also takes a preventative approach to children's health, offering preventive checkups beyond the scope of insurance coverage based on your child's individual needs (a total of 12 in the first year). Pediatricians have enough time for a discussion with parents and a for subsequent thorough examination of the child. Read more about My Clinic pediatrics here.

Patients have the flexibility to receive their results via email or opt for a phone call with a healthcare professional to explain and discuss the findings. My Clinic's emphasis on personalized care allows busy individuals to manage their health efficiently, optimizing the use of their time.

Beyond oncology screenings, My Clinic offers a wide range of preventive services, including cardiology and ophthalmology screenings. By providing diverse preventive programs, MyClinic aims to address the unique needs of each individual and foster a culture of proactive healthcare.

My Clinic's commitment to preventive care, patient empowerment, and personalized attention marks a transformative shift in the healthcare landscape of Czechia. By emphasizing the dance between patients and healthcare professionals, MyClinic strives to cultivate a culture of personal responsibility and cooperation. Through its comprehensive screening programs and a patient-centric approach, My Clinic is paving the way toward a healthier future, one step at a time.

This article was written in association with My Clinic. A private clinic of outpatient medical care it currently offers care in the fields of Internal Medicine/GP, Endocrinology and Diabetology, Allergology and immunology for Adults and for Children, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT), Dermatology, Sonography, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy for Adults and for Children, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Orthopaedics, Rheumatology, Ophthalmology, Neurology, Cardiology, Urology, Vascular and General Surgery, Psychiatry, Psychiatry for Children and Adolescents, Psychology, Paediatrics, Occupational Therapy for Children, Children Pulmonology, Gynaecology for Children. More about our partner content policies here.

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