At Willoughby Medical Practice, Dr Lei Cao provides comprehensive Preventive Care to support early detection, risk reduction, and long-term wellbeing.
Coronary artery calcium (CAC) screening
Considering having CAC screening and you do not have any symptoms of cardiovascular disease.
CAC screening is a type of computed tomography (CT) scan that specifically measures the calcium in your blood vessels. The test is also known as a ‘CAC score’ or ‘coronary calcium scan’. If your doctor believes that other methods of estimating your risk of heart attack are inappropriate or inconclusive, the scan may be used to indicate your risk of heart attack.
Depending on the results, you could be advised to take long-term medication to lower your cholesterol and/or blood pressure in order to lower your risk of a heart attack.
Some rules for reduce cardiovascular risks:
- Do not smoke.
- Drink alcohol in only very small amounts or not at all
- Keep an ideal weight and waist size
- Avoid saturated fat
- Select low GI foods and low salt diet
- Take regular physical exercises
- Practice relaxation and participate socialisation
National Lung Cancer Screening Program
Launched on 1 July 2025, the National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) is a free initiative from the Australian government. It’s designed to detect lung cancer in people most at risk – before symptoms appear. The program uses a low-dose CT scan (low-dose radiation) to look for any lumps, called nodules, in the lungs.
Screening is for people without symptoms. Lung screening is for those most at risk. You are eligible for lung screening if:
- You are aged between 50-70 years old
- You smoke tobacco cigarettes or have a history of cigarette smoking (having quit within the last 10 years)
- You have a history of tobacco cigarette smoking of at least 30 pack-years (for example, a pack a day for 30 years, or 2 packs a day for 15 years)
You don’t have symptoms of early lung cancer (symptoms include an unexplained persistent cough, coughing up blood, shortness of breath for no reason)
If you’re unsure, speak to your doctor. They can assess your risk and guide you through the next steps. If you are eligible, you can have a scan every two years.
The alarming rise of Early Onset Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer and the second leading cause of death in Australia.
Bowel Cancer Australia launched a campaign in May 2024 titled ‘Australia’s deadliest cancer for people aged 25–44’, highlighting some individuals’ encounters with early onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) and the lifelong effects, such as young people living with stomas. One Australian study showed that 80% of EOCRC being late stage while reaching diagnosis.
The increasing incidence of EOCRC has been largely attributed to risk factors including a Western diet (rich in processed meat, red meat, fast food and refined carbohydrates), obesity, tobacco use and alcohol intake, which contribute to microbiome dysgenesis and chronic inflammation from an early age.
Younger patients are more likely to develop cancer secondary to genetic mutations, such as familial adenomatous polyposis, Lynch syndrome, etc, which account for approximately 35% of EOCRC.
EOCRC presents with the same set of symptoms as colorectal cancer, including rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, altered bowel habits, low-calibre stool, unintentional weight loss and iron deficiency anaemia. The main clinical difference found in EOCRC is the increased proportion of distal or rectal malignancy. Therefore, clinicians must have suspicion of obstructive symptoms, rectal pain, tenesmus and altered stool calibre that should trigger prompt further investigation. High clinical suspicion is key in the context of EOCRC to take steps to reduce the rates of late stage diagnosis.
iFOBT is a screening tool designed to detect small amounts of blood in the stool. Currently, the iFOBT participation rate is about 40%, which is an area for improvement. It is important to encourage eligible individual to participate in the national bowel cancer screening program from the age of 45 years. There is evidence to support a screening age to start at 40 years.
GP will also advise you with protective factors
Diet: Whole grains, fruits and vegetables, folate-rich diet, calcium, dairy products, Vitamin D/B6, magnesium intake, fish and garlic.
Regular physical activity
Aspirin: guidelines recommend a low dose (100–300 mg/day) of aspirin for at least 2.5 years, commencing at age 50–70 years.
Very low energy diet (VLED) for type 2 diabetes
Obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes with age. Short-term dietary energy restriction that results in meaningful weight loss has been shown to improve glycaemic control, and in some cases, ‘reverse’ type 2 diabetes.
Very low energy diet (VLED) or meal replacement products used to reduce dietary energy intake. VLEDs typically provide less than 3300 kJ (800 kcal) per day. It may be recommended for people overweight (Body Mass Index (BMI) 27–30 kg/m2) or obese (BMI >30 kg/m2) adults with type 2 diabetes.
VLEDs have been shown to be equally effective as bariatric surgery for weight loss, glycaemic control and reduction in triglycerides. Therefore, VLEDs are an option to consider for individuals with type 2 diabetes who are considering bariatric surgery.
VLEDs are viewed as acceptable to most people, with low drop-out rates observed in clinical study trials. Rapid weight loss reportedly increases participants’ confidence and motivation. Participants may experience less hunger with rapid weight loss compared with a more liberal diet.
If you are interested, you should speak with your doctor. Consider close (e.g. one week after commencement and then 2-weekly) monitoring of the individual in the total diet replacement phase. Involve an Accredited Practising Dietitian for individualised dietary support, particularly when reintroducing food.
Advise the individual on fluid intake and a soluble fibre supplement to prevent constipation.
Advise the individual to continue their usual daily activities or even increase physical activity.
Recognise the need for flexibility, e.g. eating in social situations.
Incorporate behavioural change methods, including elements of cognitive behavioural therapy, to maintain weight loss.