Oncologist Gamayunov urged even healthy people to undergo health check-ups.

      March 29, 2026 08:12 SocietyNizhny Novgorod residents should not ignore preventive examinations, even if they have no health complaints. This was stated by the chief freelance oncologist of the regional health ministry, Sergey Gamayunov, in response to a reader's question during an online conference of NIA "Nizhny Novgorod." According to the specialist, regular check-ups should include not only cancer screening but also examinations for early signs of other diseases—cardiovascular and endocrine. Such examinations are conducted in the format of dispensary check-ups and preventive examinations. They are available for free in the compulsory health insurance system. Moreover, employers are required to provide employees with one paid day per year to undergo such examinations. Gamayunov emphasized that dispensary check-ups allow for the detection of hidden and emerging diseases. During the examinations, the levels of cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure, and the condition of the cardiovascular system are assessed. At the same time, the dispensary program includes activities aimed at the early detection of oncological diseases. The list of examinations depends on the age and gender of the patient, but overall it allows for the diagnosis of most types of cancer at early stages. "These checks should be done when you feel absolutely healthy," noted the chief physician of the Nizhny Novgorod Oncology Center and the Semashko Regional Hospital, Sergey Gamayunov. According to the expert, last year, more than two thousand oncological diseases were detected during dispensary check-ups and preventive examinations. Moreover, if a disease is detected during preventive examinations, in 80% of cases it is at the first or even preclinical stage. This allows for the use of gentle, minimally invasive treatment methods and gives patients a high chance of a long life without serious consequences. Remember that you can ask Sergey Gamayunov a question until April 10 inclusive by filling out a special form on the NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" website (look for it under the already asked questions). Since 2025, at the request of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, the national project "Long and Active Life" has been implemented. The goals of this project are aimed at conducting preventive medical examinations and dispensary check-ups. In turn, the national project "Long and Active Life" is aimed at the expected increase in life expectancy by 2030 and involves the renovation of clinics, outpatient clinics, and rural health posts, attracting qualified medical personnel to medical institutions, applying new approaches in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic diseases, improving emergency medical care and rehabilitation systems, developing a network of national research centers, and digitizing the industry. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has a Telegram channel. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and timely information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod." When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+