Tests That Can Save Your Life

And Save You Money In The Long Run

(CBS)  An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." This old expression couldn't be more truthful with today's rising health care costs.

Dr. Sean Kenniff from WFOR TV shares on The Saturday Early Show, several tests that not only could save you money in the long run, but could save your life as well.

Unfortunately, most of these tests are expensive and not always covered by health insurance. So even though it would be great for all to take them, the people who will want to get these tests are those who are at a high risk for the illnesses explained below.

Heart Disease: Blood Panel
Heart disease is the nation's No. 1 killer. If you have a family history of it, you'd be wise to get a blood panel test. But a family history isn't the only reason you may want to get the test. If you are overweight, have diabetes, or high cholesterol, you may also want to get tested.

A blood panel test will look for several things including high levels of C -reactive protein and dense LDL (or bad cholesterol). If your test is positive, your doctor can put you on statins and institute a healthy eating program and exercise regimen to reduce your risk of heart disease.

Aortic Aneurysm: Abdominal Ultrasound
An aortic aneurysm happens when the walls of the artery are seriously weakened causing a bulge. If not treated, the walls can burst and your chances of surviving are slim. People most at risk are those with a family history, men over 60 and smokers over 50.

The abdominal ultrasound is a non-invasive procedure where the scan looks for the bulges. If a bulge is discovered, your physician may perform surgery to repair it.

Drug Sensitivity: Genetic Blood Test
Many people are on medications and sometimes these medications can cause side effects or simply not work at all. If this is the case, your doctor may want to have you take a genetic blood test.

The test is fairly simple. It involves a pinprick. The sample of blood is then sent to a lab where it's tested for DNA sequences in genes that may be causing the side effects. If a problem is detected, your doctor may change your dose or put you on a different medication.

Lung Cancer: Spiral CT Scan
Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in the U.S. Many cases can be directly attributed to cigarette smoking. So smokers or former smokers will want to get this test. Other people who may consider getting tested are those who've had exposure to asbestos, and those who've been around a lot of second-hand smoke.

The Spiral CT scan is non-invasive. A 3-D model of the lungs is created and can detect tumors that an ordinary X-ray can't pick up. The important thing about lung cancer is to catch it early because, as it progresses, the survival rate drops sharply. If it's determined you do have cancer, your physician can start a treatment plan immediately that could include chemotherapy, surgery, or maybe even a combination of the two.

Ovarian Cancer: Ultrasound and CA-125 Blood Test
The symptoms of ovarian cancer, which can include fatigue, bloating and back pain, are often mistaken for other illnesses. So if you have a history of the disease in your family and that includes a history of breast cancer, there are several tests you want to undergo.

They include an ultrasound that will look for masses around the ovaries and a CA-125 blood. About half of all women with ovarian cancer have high CA-125 levels. Just like lung cancer, ovarian cancer is something you want to catch early.