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Hello, this is Sungmo Best Internal Medicine, a health screening center in Siheung. Every year around this time, we frequently hear the same questions in our consultation rooms: "Do I really need to get a health check-up?" and "I don't have time, and I feel perfectly fine, so why bother?" To get straight to the point, a health check-up is not just a means to confirm your current health, but an effective preventive measure to ward off future illnesses.

Now is also the time to recommend that those eligible for the National Health Screening get their check-ups promptly before the first half of the year ends. Today, we will explain why the National Health Screening is necessary, who is eligible, and why it is advantageous to act quickly.

An Opportunity to Detect Asymptomatic Diseases Early

Many chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, as well as cancers, often have no particular symptoms in their early stages. You might live for years without any problems, only for it to lead to a myocardial infarction or stroke one day. If these diseases are detected early through regular check-ups, management can begin with just lifestyle improvements and simple medication.

Early Detection Is Key for Major Cancers

Stomach cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, and cervical cancer are types of cancer that can be screened for through the National Health Screening with reduced cost burden. It is known that the earlier these cancers are detected, the better the treatment effectiveness and prognosis.

A Realistic Way to Extend Healthy Lifespan

Health screenings are not just about finding diseases. They are also the starting point for developing strategies to improve lifestyle based on current health indicators such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol.

For general screenings, you only need to remember that those born in even-numbered years are eligible in 2024, and those born in odd-numbered years are eligible in 2025.

Many people receive their screening eligibility notice but postpone it, thinking, "I'll do it when I have more time in the second half of the year." However, this habit of postponing by a month or two is the biggest reason for missed screenings.

• In the first half of the year (January-June), it is easier to schedule hospital appointments, and waiting times are generally shorter.
• In the second half of the year, there is a surge in demand for screenings, making it difficult to book desired dates. If it overlaps with workplace screenings, waiting times can exceed half a day.
• If abnormal findings are detected during the screening, it should lead to additional tests and consultations. Screenings done in the second half of the year may delay the start of treatment until the following year.

• I am currently 20 years of age or older in 2025.
• I was born in an odd-numbered year.
• I am approaching my 40th or 66th birthday.
• My parents have experienced liver cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, etc.
• I have recently experienced weight changes, indigestion, or frequent fatigue.
• It has been more than two years since my last health check-up.

If any of the above items apply to you, we recommend checking your eligibility for the National Health Screening immediately and visiting a nearby screening institution.

• Check items requiring fasting: Gastroscopy, abdominal ultrasound, blood tests, etc., require approximately 8 hours of fasting.
• Avoid excessive alcohol and overeating, and live as usual: Excessive exercise or diet control a few days before the screening can distort the results.
• Check medications you are taking in advance: High blood pressure medication can be taken with a small amount of water. If you are unsure, please contact the Siheung Screening Center.
• Women should schedule appointments to avoid their menstrual period.

If you are curious about the procedures for each test item, you can check them in advance at Test Information.

A health check-up is not a test for those who are currently sick, but a wise preventive measure to avoid future illness. The basic screening items provided by the government serve as a fundamental filter to screen for most chronic diseases and major cancers.

As a medical professional in charge of screenings in Siheung, it is regrettable to see people miss this important opportunity due to inconvenience or complacency. The 2025 National Health Screening is more than just a means to check your health; it is an opportunity to avoid illness. Schedule your appointment in the first half of the year and don't miss the signals from your body. Checking Consultation Hours Information before your visit can help you schedule your screening without long waits.

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Dr. Kim Seonhoo (Specialist in Gastroenterology, Specialist in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy) · Medical Staff Introduction · Last reviewed 2026-08-06