Ninad Raikar, originally from Mumbai and now living in Singapore, wasn’t too keen when his wife urged him to get a routine health check-up at 41. Yet, he reluctantly agreed. That gentle push led to an unexpected discovery — a tumour in his bladder.

The results confirmed the tumour was cancerous, but luckily, it was caught early. "Without that check-up, I wouldn’t have known until it was too late," says Ninad, expressing gratitude for his wife’s insistence.

Ninad then underwent a TURBT procedure in Mumbai to remove the low-grade bladder tumour. The surgery was successful, and he received a single Mitomycin chemotherapy treatment as a precaution.

However, Ninad couldn’t shake off the lingering discomfort that followed the treatment. His doctor brushed it off as normal, leaving Ninad feeling unheard and frustrated.

Later, after moving back to Singapore, a follow-up cystoscopy revealed another tiny tumour and a condition called urethral structures, likely caused by his first surgery.

This time, Ninad sought care from a more patient-focused doctor in Singapore, whose approach turned out to be far more supportive and positive.

“I have now gone through my first year of cystoscopy and am now tumour-free and cancer-free!” exclaims Ninad. Here are key takeaways from his journey that everyone can benefit from:

1. Prioritise regular check-ups As we age, routine health check-ups become increasingly vital. Early detection, as in Ninad’s case, can prevent complications and save lives.

2. Go beyond basic tests Blood tests alone aren't enough. Ninad’s experience underlines the need for essential imaging modalities. “The minimum recommended imaging is an ECG, chest X ray, USG abdomen and pelvis. You can get these done once a year,” Ninad says.

3. Ensure robust insurance coverage Make sure your health insurance covers deductibles. "Having insurance was a game-changer," says Ninad, noting how it eased the financial stress during his treatment.

4. Seek multiple opinions "When choosing a doctor, look for those with teaching experience, research publications, or a background in government/non-profit hospitals,” suggests Ninad.

5. Choose empathetic doctors Half the battle is mental, and a patient, empathetic doctor can make all the difference. Ninad suggests being attentive to the quality of care. “Go to a doctor who has time for you, who answers your multiple questions with a smile.”

6. Learn from others’ experiences Speak to patients who have undergone similar procedures. Ninad advises, “In the age of digital media, it is easy to find people who are ready to share their learnings and experiences.”