Early Detection: The Key to Preventive Healthcare
At Health Watch Cameroon (HealthWatch-C), we emphasize early detection as a vital step in preventing and managing life-threatening diseases. Many conditions, such as kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, hepatitis B, HIV-1, cervical cancer, and HPV, develop silently before symptoms appear. With regular screenings, early diagnosis, and timely intervention, we can reduce the burden of these diseases and improve health outcomes.
How We Detect Diseases Early ?
- Kidney Disease: Detecting Problems Before They Progress
The kidneys play a critical role in filtering waste and toxins from the blood.
Kidney disease can remain undetecteduntil significant damage has occurred, making early detection essential.
Key Tests for Early Detection:
✔Serum Creatinine & Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) – Measures kidney function by checking how efficiently the kidneys filter waste.
✔ Urine Albumin Test (Microalbuminuria Test) – Detects small amounts of protein in the urine, which is an early sign of kidney disease.
✔ Blood Pressure Monitoring – High blood pressure is both a cause and consequence of kidney disease.
HealthWatch-C’s Approach:
We conduct kidney function screenings as part of our community health programs and educate the public on preventing kidney disease through proper hydration, a balanced diet, and regular check-ups.
- Liver Disease: Identifying Damage Before Symptoms Appear
The liver performs over 500 essential functions, including detoxification and metabolism. Liver diseases such as fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and viral hepatitis can develop without noticeable symptoms.
Key Tests for Early Detection:
✔ Liver Function Tests (ALT, AST, Bilirubin, Albumin Tests) – Assess liver enzyme levels and detect inflammation or damage.
✔ Hepatitis B & C Screening – Identifies viral infections that can cause long-term liver disease.
✔ Ultrasound Imaging – Detects fatty liver disease and abnormalities in liver structure.
HealthWatch-C’s Approach: We offer hepatitis screening and liver function tests, ensuring early intervention to prevent severe complications.
- Heart Disease: Preventing Cardiovascular Complications
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, often due to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or lifestyle factors.
Detecting heart disease early allows for lifestyle changes and medical interventions that can prevent heart attacks and strokes.
Key Tests for Early Detection:
✔ Blood Pressure Monitoring – Detects hypertension, a major risk factor for heart disease.
✔ Lipid Profile (Cholesterol Test) – Measures levels of “good” and “bad” cholesterol, which affect heart health.
✔ Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) – Identifies abnormal heart rhythms and potential heart disease.
✔ Blood Sugar Test – High blood sugar is linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
HealthWatch-C’s Approach: We provide free and affordable heart health screenings to detect early signs of cardiovascular disease, along with lifestyle coaching for heart health.
- Hepatitis B: Early Testing to Prevent Liver Damage
Hepatitis B is a silent but deadly viral infection that affects the liver. Without early detection, it can lead to liver cirrhosis or liver cancer.
Key Tests for Early Detection:
✔ Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) Test – Detects active Hepatitis B infection.
✔ Hepatitis B Core Antibody Test (Anti-HBc) – Determines if someone has been exposed to the virus.
✔ Liver Function Tests (ALT, AST, Bilirubin Tests) – Checks for liver inflammation or damage.
HealthWatch-C’s Approach: We provide hepatitis B screening, vaccination awareness, and support for those diagnosed to prevent further complications.
- HIV-1: Early Diagnosis for a Healthier Life
Early detection of HIV-1 is critical for treatment and preventing transmission. With proper care, people with HIV can lead long and healthy lives.
Key Tests for Early Detection:
✔ HIV Rapid Test – A simple finger-prick blood test that provides results in minutes.
✔ ELISA & Western Blot Tests – More advanced tests used for confirming HIV infection.
✔ CD4 Count & Viral Load Test – Determines the stage of HIV and effectiveness of treatment.
HealthWatch-C’s Approach: We offer free and confidential HIV testing and provide counseling, treatment referrals, and stigma reduction programs.
- Cervical Cancer & HPV: Detecting the Virus Before It Causes Cancer
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the leading cause of cervical cancer in women. Early detection allows for treatment before cancer develops.
Key Tests for Early Detection:
✔ HPV DNA Test – Identifies high-risk HPV strains linked to cervical cancer.
✔ Pap Smear (Cervical Cytology Test) – Detects abnormal cell changes before they turn cancerous.
✔ Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) – A low-cost screening alternative for detecting precancerous lesions.
HealthWatch-C’s Approach: We offer cervical cancer screenings, HPV vaccination awareness, and early treatment referrals to help prevent cervical cancer.
How You Can Take Action
✅Get Screened – Attend our free or affordable health check-ups to stay ahead of potential health risks.
✅ Stay Informed – Follow HealthWatch-C for tips on disease prevention and early detection.
✅ Support Our Mission – Donate to help us expand early detection programs and reach more communities.
✅ Encourage Loved Ones – Spread awareness about the importance of early detection and regular screenings.
📩 For more information or to book a screening, email us at: hwatchc@gmail.com
🌍 Visit our website: healthwatchcameroon.org
📞 Call us: +237 679 960 326 / +237 946 191 47
Early detection is the first step toward a healthier life. Don’t wait—know your numbers today!
