A total body MOT (Medical & Occupational Test – not to be confused with the Ministry of Transport Test for your car) is a comprehensive health check that evaluates various bodily functions, including cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic health. But is it worth it? That depends on individual circumstances.
Key Questions Before Setting Up a National Screening Program
Before we get to the self-paid MOTs, there are a few key points to clear up if a taxpayer funds the national program:
What Can Screening Do?
Screening can detect conditions early, which is a clear advantage if an intervention is available that helps prolong life or improve its quality. Otherwise, early detection can lead to anxiety and distress. Additionally, early detection may result in over-testing, biopsies, etc.
Example: Cancer Screening and Adding Years of Life
As a warning: The data is tough to chew through.
While I initially assumed screening methods like mammograms, colonoscopy, fecal occult blood testing (FOBT), CT for lung cancer, and PSA for prostate cancer would consistently add years to life, the evidence has been mixed. The impact on lifespan is not sure enough for the NHS to support it all.
The NHS does:
- Mammography screening for breast cancer: Offered in the UK in 50-70-year-old ladies every 3 years.
- The NHS reports that mammography screening diagnoses 8 per 1,000 women, with half of these cases too small to detect through palpation. In a 2012 review, the NHS found that screening reduced the breast cancer death rate by 20%.
- Fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) for colorectal cancer: Home testing kits are available to those aged 54-74 every two years.
- Colonoscopy: Provided to those with a high risk of colon cancer (e.g., due to family history) to allow for early polyp removal, which can prevent cancer.
Basic Screening Information
Screening isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, and there are key points to consider:
Who Should Be Screened?
Is screening beneficial for everyone or only for specific groups, like men over 50? It should be clear who will benefit from the screening. For instance, breast cancer screening usually excludes men because of its low incidence in this group.
How Often Should You Do Screening?
Daily, yearly, every 5 years?
The intervals should be based on evidence to see a change or benefit without causing unnecessary testing.
In effect – How long do you get your “Get Out of Jail Free” card for?
What is the Cost of Screening?
If the screening test costs £1000000 but picks up 100% of the disease and reduces mortality to zero, is it worth it?
All tests cost money, and that is not the only price.
Is a Health MOT Worth It? Not just cancer…
Here’s a breakdown of the potential benefits and considerations for a health MOT if you’re opting to pay privately:
Benefits of Health MOT:
- Preventive Health Monitoring: It can identify underlying health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, or cancer, before symptoms appear, allowing for early intervention. This is probably why most people do these tests.
- Comprehensive Insight: It provides an in-depth overview of your overall health, from blood work to organ function, which can be reassuring. Some people might want this extra information.
- Personalised Recommendations: Results often lead to tailored advice on lifestyle changes, diet, or treatments, improving long-term health outcomes.
- Peace of Mind: For those with family histories of specific diseases or existing concerns, it can reduce anxiety by offering clarity. The risk is creating more anxiety, and the physician looking at the tests and delivering them has a massive responsibility to make sure reassurance is given.
Considerations for Health MOT:
- Cost: These tests can be expensive, and not all findings may be actionable, potentially leading to unnecessary treatments or further tests.
I worry specifically about genetic testing or MRI for dementia, given there is no treatment.
- Overtesting: Some argue that routine tests without symptoms may lead to overdiagnosis, finding minor issues that would never cause problems but might lead to stress or unnecessary procedures.
- False Positives/Negatives: Test inaccuracies can lead to unnecessary worry or missed conditions.
The false negative – i.e. it missed something important- is particularly risky.
Who Might Benefit Most from Health MOT Screening?
Health MOTs are particularly beneficial for:
- People Over 40: Especially those at risk due to family history or lifestyle.
- Those with Chronic Conditions: Useful for monitoring ongoing health.
- Health-conscious Individuals: For those who desire a thorough understanding of their body’s condition.
For generally healthy individuals, regular GP check-ups may suffice.
We are talking here about longevity. You have the money to spend – can you spend it on making sure you live longer? Venture capitalists invested over $4 billion in longevity start-ups in 2022 alone.
What Are the Screening Choices Available in the UK?
Here’s the breakdown – it’s a case of “you get what you pay for.”
However, it’s still uncertain if these tests are definitively proven to extend your lifespan or improve health. Information is helpful, but solid evidence is needed, and for many of these options, that’s lacking. So, is it worth spending £200, £500, £5,000, or even £10,000?
Each option includes basics like blood tests, blood pressure checks, height, and weight—services also offered by your GP, though the range of blood tests may vary.
Provider | Test | Price | ECG | CT | MRI | Additions |
Neko Health | Nekoscan | £299 | Yes | No | No | Unique scan from Spotify’s founder with limited evidence for disease prevention |
Bluecrest | Complete | £289 | Yes | No | No | Body composition analysis (fat/muscle ratio) |
Nuffield Health | 360 | £765 | Yes | No | No | PSA for men over 50, chest X-ray if indicated |
MRIPLUS | Full Body MRI | £999 | No | No | Yes | MRI only; may show benign abnormalities that require further testing |
BUPA | Be.Ahead | £1069 | Yes | No | No | Optional add-ons include CT coronary or colon scan |
Randox Health | Signature Prestige | £1750 | Yes | No | No | Bowel screening home test, body composition analysis, extensive blood profile |
MRIPLUS | Diamond | £2999 | No | No | Yes | MRI plus blood tests |
Phoenix Hospital Group | Executive | £5495 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Ultrasound |
Preventicum | Ultimate/Optimal | £7000/£10500 | Yes | No | Yes | Liver Multiscan, exercise stress echo |
Welbeck Longevity | Core Executive | £9000 | Yes | No | Yes | Carotid and testicular (for men) ultrasound, echocardiogram, Fibroscan |
Note: I’m not endorsing any of these options. I would discuss the worries with a trusted Doctor 1st. You can book a consultation with me at One Welbeck Heart Health or get a private heart check at London Cardiovascular Clinic.
Final Thoughts: 5 Tips on Holistic Health
- Sleep: Aim for at least 7 hours per night—catching up on weekends doesn’t fully compensate!
- Diet: Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables, avoid ultra-processed foods, and try cooking at home.
- Exercise: Aim for 6,000 steps daily and get your heart rate up at least three times a week.
- Hydration: Drink around 2 litres of water each day.
- Lifestyle Choices: Limit smoking and alcohol, as both have minimal health benefits and can do substantial harm.
For individuals over 40, it’s advisable to get regular blood pressure checks, a pulse check, and blood tests for cholesterol, HbA1c (blood sugar), complete blood count, kidney function, and liver function.
These are my opinions, shaped by over 20 years as an NHS consultant. I’ve witnessed how medical advice has evolved, and while there may be no absolute truth, experience counts.
Article by Dr Malik, a UK leading cardiologist. He works at One Welbeck Heart Health – London’s Largest Private Cardiology Group, and at Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, one of the largest NHS Trusts in the UK.