India holds the dubious distinction of having a worryingly high number of deaths caused by cardiovascular disease. Approximately 24.8% of all fatalities in the country can be attributed to CVDs. In addition, the average age at which Indians suffer their first heart ailment is a dramatic 10 years lower, at 53 years, than most developed countries. These numbers undoubtedly highlight the importance of heart health in our country and why every citizen needs regular heart health check-up. The first step towards improving the situation is to inform and educate, and in this article, that is exactly what we aim to do. We have listed 7 indicators that can tell you how good your heart health is and how to use these indicators to identify potential problems.

7 signs of a healthy heart

1. Heart rate:

   Anywhere between 60 to 100 beats per minute is deemed normal for adults when they are at rest. Take your pulse rate to find out your heat beat rate per minute. You will be able to find the difference in the heartbeat at rest and after you have been working out simply by counting your pulse beats. Or you can find out your ideal resting heart rate from your doctor. Remember that the lower the number (above a minimum of 60 for most people), the stronger is your heart. However, if you are accustomed to regular exercise, your resting heart rate may be lower too. Lower rest rate means that your heart can supply enough blood to your body without having to work too hard, meaning it is in great condition. When you go for a heart health check-up, you will find these numbers printed on the report and you can compare them with your next report.

2. Recovery rate:

   It is normal for your heart rate to get elevated after you have been working out or running or carrying out any intensive physical activity. This does not indicate a heart ailment but the pace at which your heart rate comes back to normal, that is, the recovery rate, does tell you a lot about how strong your heart is. There is a simple way to test this. Check your heart rate immediately after you have just finished a heavy workout. Then rest for about a minute. Now check again. If you can see a drop of a minimum of 20 beats within this one minute, your recovery rate is healthy enough.

3. Blood pressure:

   There are two components to your blood pressure measurement. The systolic pressure is the arterial pressure when the heart is in squeezing motion. The diastolic pressure is the pressure in between heart beats when it relaxes. You will see your blood pressure recorded with two numbers: A/B. A is the systolic pressure and B is diastolic. Normally, the systolic blood pressure should be less than 120, diastolic less than 80. Remember that blood pressure varies throughout the day, depending on what you have been doing. So, to get an accurate measure, you may need to measure it at different times during the day.

4. Breathing pattern:

   You normally do not notice your breathing at all unless you find yourself gasping for air. If this tends to happen frequently, when you have not done any heavy or intense physical activity, then this is a sure cause for concern and must be checked out. Note that shortness of breath after you have run up two flights of stairs is normal but gasping for breath after you have slowly climbed is not. Shortness of breath can also be the result of extreme stress/anxiety. Pay special attention to whether you are feeling pressure on the chest while lying down or doing normal, simple activities like cooking or walking the dog.

5. Stamina:

   The ability to get through your day feeling energetic and fresh is a sign of a healthy heart. Always feeling tired and lethargic may be a sign of a heart that is unable to pump enough oxygenated blood. If you find that you are suddenly running out of stamina for things you could do without trouble earlier, this is a cause for concern. Having low energy all day, feeling like you want to take a nap after doing moderate physical activity, feeling extremely tired after walking just a short flight of stairs- all these could be a sign that your heart is unable to pump the blood your body needs. An interesting correlation between sleep apnoea and heart disease is that the former can lead to the latter. Sleep apnoea also prevents you from getting a good restful night’s sleep, which adds to your daytime fatigue.

6. Cholesterol:

   When your cholesterol levels are in balance, that is, both LDL and HDL, your heart is healthy. This is typically not something you can find out at home like you can with many other indicators, but every heart health check- up will measure your cholesterol levels too and give you a clear picture of where you stand.

7. Oral health:

   Unusually enough, good oral health is a sign that your heart is in great shape. Yes, oral infections can simply arise from bacterial build-up and poor oral hygiene. However, if despite great brushing habits, you have sore gums, this could be a red alert for heart disease. Research shows links between periodontal disease and heart disease. Poor dental health presents a significant risk of bacteria from the mouth entering the blood stream and damaging heart valves. Dental health and hygiene are highlighted as priority items for those with artificial heart valves because of this reason.

Knowing the indicators can save your life

Heart disease does not develop overnight. It often happens that the individual suffering from acute heart ailment had symptoms over a long period that he overlooked. Seemingly innocuous signs like gasping for breath while climbing stairs, swelling in legs and ankles or unusual chest pressure- all of these should ring warning bells. Paying attention to your body, understanding changes in it and taking the right action at the right time can ward off a heart attack and save your life.

In addition to these, the simplest and most efficient way to care for your heart is to opt for regular heart health check-up from a reputed lab like NURA where you get the latest AI technology health check- up. With NURA, you can look forward to the tech expertise of Japan’s Fujifilm combined with the medical expertise of Dr Kutty’s healthcare, working for you. A comprehensive heart check-up, or even better, an annual master health check-up, can help you keep track of your health and identify early warning signs of cardiovascular problems. If you are in Bangalore, searching for ‘master health check-up near me’, look no further. Just call NURA and fix your appointment today.

One of the most important things you must do when you step out on your own into the world as an adult is take your health seriously. In your 20’s you may feel that this is an unnecessary precaution because you are healthy and seldom have any ailments. However, this can prove to be a costly assumption. There are medical issues that can develop at any stage of life and the only way to prevent them and live a healthy life is by going for a master health check-up regularly. Be it a cancer screening test or a heart health check-up or some other screening, medical tests can potentially save your life by:

• Identifying a disease at an early stage
• Pinpointing developing conditions that can lead to fatal diseases
• Highlighting the adverse impact of lifestyle on your health
• Catching physiological changes before they transform into dangerous conditions

Hence, going for consistent, planned medical health check-ups is a great way to live life anxiety-free. Here are the main tests you must get by the time you turn 30.

• Blood pressure:

  Ideally, you should get your blood pressure checked every alternate year after the age of 20, but if you have missed out on this so far, do start when you hit 30. Keeping track of your blood pressure is not only essential for heart health, but also for your brain, kidneys, eyes and arteries. If you have signed up for a heart health check- up, BP check is one of the first tests you will be undergoing. For those who have already been diagnosed with diabetes, kidney ailments or heart ailments, BP checks should be carried out more frequently.

• Cholesterol:

  Did you know that in the U.S., the American Academy of Paediatrics recommends cholesterol screening for kids between 9 and 11 years? Don’t assume that excess cholesterol accumulation happens only later in life. If you have never had your cholesterol levels measured, you must start doing so at least by 30. Cholesterol build-up can inflame your arteries and result in heart conditions. Keeping track of both good and bad cholesterol levels will help you tweak your lifestyle and diet to avert cardiovascular diseases arising from this.

• Cancer screening:

  One of the most dreaded diseases we have today is cancer. However, we also have the means to identify most cancers at a very early stage where they can be treated effectively. These involve special cancer screening tests that you must opt for by 30:

• Skin cancer:

  There is no age for skin cancer to happen and this disease can affect very young people too, depending on their exposure to various factors. According to Cancer.org, melanoma, a type of skin cancer, is the most common cancer among those younger than 30. If you have a family history of melanoma, then you may have a higher risk of developing this disease at a younger age.

• Colon cancer:

  A simple test to identify polyps at early stages can lead to prevention of colon cancer. This screening test is especially necessary by 30 if you have a family history of cancer, genetic disorders or some other factors that put you at high risk.

• Testicular cancer:

  This cancer is very common between the ages of 20 and 34 and this makes it one of the most crucial diseases to be screened for during your master health check-up. You must also learn to check for this disease on your own at home so you can carry out regular checks periodically.

• Breast cancer:

  If you have a close relative who has breast cancer, you may be at higher risk of developing this condition. Breast cancer screening during your master health check-up can help you maintain a regular check on whether you have any anomalies that need further exploration.

• Cervical cancer:

  By age 25, you must start cervical cancer screening and continue this until age 65. A Pap smear test every 3 years is the ideal screening test for this cancer. A simple pelvic exam during every annual master health check-up is a must to detect potential risks too. Many women avoid this for many reasons, but this screening is very important for women.

• Others cancers:

  While other screening tests, such as lung cancer screening, are mainly carried out later in life, if you are a high-risk individual for any cancers or your lifestyle habits put you at high risk of developing them, start screening early to identify problems before they aggravate.

• HIV/ STI screening:

  This is one of the most overlooked tests that you must start taking as soon as you become sexually active. Testing for HIV is critical and must be done at least annually. If you have multiple sex partners, the frequency of testing should be increased to twice annually or even four times each year.

Remember that sexually transmitted diseases can lead to big problems, and the unchecked spread of infection can sometimes result in infertility in women. Screening tests for such diseases is very important, especially for women in the 20 to 30 age band.

• Vision screening:

  If you wear spectacles, you probably get an eye exam annually, but even if you don’t, you must get your eyes tested on alternate years. If you have been experiencing vision problems, a thorough check-up by an ophthalmologist is necessary. Also, follow ups with regular screenings are a must too. There are several preventable eye ailments that you can spot with screenings and tackle before they turn serious.

• Oral screening:

  Your teeth often indicate some deep-seated problem in your body even if there is no other symptom. But even otherwise, you must ensure that dental exams are a part of your annual master health check-up without fail. Cavities and gum related problems can slowly worsen with time, deepen, and result in conditions that can only be treated with invasive, long-drawn procedures. Teeth and gum related problems can be very painful too and they can prevent you from eating or drinking what you like. Overall, dental issues can affect your body in many ways, which is why dental care is one of your priority screening tests by the age of 30. To avoid a scenario where your dental problems are the cause of constant pain or discomfort, make sure you get annual dental screening. This will also present an opportunity to check for signs and symptoms of other problems like diabetes.

All in all, don’t let a hectic work schedule take your attention away from your health. Setting up an annual master health check-up is a simple way to ensure that your health is not neglected and that you are taking the right steps to safeguard yourself from an early age. Remember that with regular health check-ups, you can empower yourself to take corrective action as soon as your body begins to show some signs of a potential problem.

Moreover, a master health check-up is not a time consuming or complex process at all if you visit a reputed lab like NURA, where your tests are done with state-of-the-art equipment in the most convenient ways possible. At NURA, you can enjoy the advantage of Japan’s world class Fujifilm technology combined with Dr Kutty’s medical expertise. The comprehensive tests done here are accurate, speedy and reliable. Experienced, friendly lab technicians will explain every single test to you, and you will find all the processes comfortable enough. So, get started before you hit 30 and keep common health concerns at bay.

Anyone who understands the importance of staying fit and independent as they age knows how crucial an annual full body check-up can be. These tests help you to ensure that your body is in peak form and there are no impending issues that are waiting to blow up into serious ailments. Even dreaded diseases like cancer can be identified early on via a cancer screening test, so that the treatment can start immediately with positive outcomes. However, if you have just booked your first appointment for your annual health screening package, you may be confused about how to prepare for it.

Here are some tips:

• Go to bed at a reasonable time the previous night so that you get adequate sleep. Lack of sleep can elevate your blood pressure and pulse rate and disturb your body temperature too. All this can lead to inaccurate results.
• Eat light the previous night if you are heading to the lab early morning. Else, ensure at least eight hours between your last meal and the tests. Some tests (e.g.: thyroid panel) require fasting and the lab technician will inform you about this beforehand. Even otherwise, a full stomach can mess with your blood pressure and sugar readings. Avoiding salty foods and very fatty foods for a couple of days before your full body check-up appointment is also a good idea.
• Alcohol or alcoholic beverages are best avoided for at least 24 hours before your appointment. Avoid caffeinated drinks the morning of your exam too. Drink plenty of water though, so you are not dehydrated when you head to the lab.
• Wear loose, comfy clothing that will let you move around freely. This is especially helpful in case of heart health check-up where a treadmill test may be a part of the package. Clothing that can be removed easily makes it simple for you to undergo X-rays or scans. For example, lung cancer screening requires you to change into a robe given by the lab. Likewise, make sure your clothing gives easy access to your upper arm for blood pressure measurement.
• If you have any existing conditions, inform the lab technicians beforehand and bring the latest reports along as well.
• If you take any medications on a regular basis, check beforehand if you should avoid them on the day of the appointment. This may vary on a case-to-case basis. For example, if you are on thyroid medication, you may have to avoid it for the test day. If you are on beta-blockers, you may need to stop them for three days before the appointment. Check with your physician beforehand on what you must do. In some cases, you can just take the medication after the blood and urine samples have been given to the lab. Inform the lab in advance if this needs to be done so they can schedule the various tests accordingly.
• Specific tests require special care to be taken beforehand. For example, for an ultrasound, you will need to drink lots of water before the scan to make it easier to get a clear, accurate report. For a colonoscopy, you may need to take laxatives the previous night. If your health screening package has such tests included, make sure to call the lab ahead and check what you are required to do and when, before you appear for the test.
• Don’t go for the test immediately after heavy, intense physical activity or from a workout. This can elevate your heart rate and bring down potassium levels drastically.
• Women must note the following:
  • For mammograms, avoid powders, creams, perfumes or any application under arms or over your breast area – this can reduce the efficiency of the test.
  • Avoid testing within the week right after your menstrual period. If your health screening package includes pap smear and/or urine/stool tests, taking the test during this time can skew the results because of the presence of blood.
  • If there is a chance you may be pregnant, do inform the lab technician well in advance. X-rays are not recommended for pregnant women.

An easy way to make the annual check-up more convenient is to schedule it early in the morning so that you arrive after a good night’s sleep and your fasting gets done overnight while you sleep.

If you are getting your full body check-up done at NURA, you can simply call us before your appointment and our friendly technicians will tell you everything you need to know about preparing for your tests. At NURA, you get the advantage of qualified, experienced technicians, Japanese Fujifilm world-class technology as well as the medical expertise of Dr Kutty’s healthcare. These work together to give you the most reliable, accurate results. All you need to do is call and book your appointment today.

Have you been putting off a full body check-up because you think it is unnecessary? This oversight can turn out to be very costly for you in terms of your health! A full body check-up helps you to keep a close watch on your body and any changes occurring in it over the years. When the first signs of an ailment appear, these screening tests can quickly detect it, making you aware about a potential problem. This way, you get to consult a physician on time. Even life-threatening ailments like cancer or COPD can be identified early on and treated effectively. So, that is what a full body check-up does for you. It helps common illnesses from aggravating and prevents fatalities.

What exactly is a full body screening test?

Many people tend to avoid whole-body check-ups because they are probably already undergoing a specific battery of tests for an existing problem. Say, if you are already getting a heart health check-up done annually, you may assume that this is quite enough. However, there are many tests that your heart health check-up will not cover, which can pinpoint several other troublesome imbalances in your body.

For instance, a thyroid exam will tell you if this critical hormone is functioning effectively or if you need to take medications to iron out imbalances. Thyroid imbalance can cause a lot of disruption in your daily life with tiredness, insomnia, weight gain/loss, hair fall, body aches, loss of appetite etc. A simple test, which usually forms part of an annual full body check-up screening, can put you on the right track in resolving this problem. In short, a full body screening test can help you detect dangerous diseases early on and get treatment before it is too late.

There are many advantages of early detection, as listed below:

• Helps you ‘catch’ the disease before it has had a chance to spread/intensify
• Helps you identify potential diseases before they develop
• Allows you to start treatment in time so that the outcomes are dramatically improved
• Keeps treatment costs low by helping you to address the problem with primary level treatment
• Improves your chance of avoiding invasive treatments like surgery to treat common ailments

What does a full body check-up include?

Choosing the right kind of full body screening test is very important so that you cover all your bases and have all pertinent parameters tested. Here are the tests your full body health check should cover:

• Blood pressure and Body Mass Index check: Visceral fat analysis is also a part of these check-ups.
• Bone health: Checks for osteoporosis, calcium level checks, full body composition evaluation, DEXA scans to evaluate bone density and bone health and measures risk of sustaining fractures.
• Diabetes: HbA1c, glycated haemoglobin tests via blood work are included.
• Heart health check-up: Apart from cholesterol checks and ECG, the tests may also include ultra-low dose CTs to identify coronary heart disease in early stage. A comprehensive lipid profile test is a part of this (HDL/LDL, triglycerides, VLDL cholesterol etc.)
• Liver function tests: These include albumin, bilirubin protein level tests and many more, and the combined test is also known as a hepatic panel.
• Renal profile tests: These measure creatinine, blood urea, nitrogen, phosphorus, sodium etc. levels in the blood. Kidney function tests work by measuring Albumin to Creatinine ratio (ACR) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
• Vitamin levels: Mainly vitamin B12 and vitamin D levels are measured in these tests, especially in women.
• Thyroid: Total T3, T4, TSH levels are included.
• Abdomen scans: These tests are done to identify kidney stones, liver disease, tumours, among others. If you are at high risk for abdominal aortic aneurysm, this test is very critical.
• Eye and ear check-up: Regular check-ups are done to ensure your ears and eyes are working at peak efficiency. Any anomalies are referred to specialists so you can take corrective action immediately.
• Cancer screening: Low dose CTs are used to identify the early signs of lung cancer and other cancers. Apart from this, screening with mammograms and Pap smears for women and prostate/colon cancer screening (using FIT) for men, is a part of the full body screening. For oral cancer screening, AI based tests may be used.

Variants in full body screening test

Your lab may offer a variety of full body check-up options to choose from that may be categorised according to gender, age or lifestyle. Pick the one that closely matches your profile because it will have specific tests that address common risks that you are exposed to. For example, for senior citizens, the geriatric package can come in quite handy as it will have certain tests to evaluate cognitive functions too. Again, for men and women, some of the tests will vary so that diseases like prostate cancer (in men) and cervical cancer (in women) can be identified at early stages.

Choosing the right lab

Apart from choosing the right test, it is also important to choose the right lab to get your full body check-up done. Here’s what you must pay attention to:

• Do they have qualified, experienced technicians who can complete the test with minimal discomfort?
• Do they offer accurate results that can be relied upon?
• Is the lab open to you at convenient times?
• Do they have a qualified technician to answer your queries before you appear for the test?
• Are they equipped with the latest technology and devices?
• Do they give the reports quickly and efficiently in a format you can easily use and share?
• Is the environment hygienic and are the tests done with 0% compromise on safety and hygiene?

If you are looking for a complete health check-up package in Bangalore, consider NURA. Powered by the cutting-edge technology of Japan’s Fujifilm and the trusted healthcare expertise of Dr Kutty’s Healthcare, NURA promises accurate testing backed by a highly qualified team of technicians. This ensures that you get your annual full body check-up done with the least inconvenience and discomfort.

Did you know that the number of women who are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year is a staggering 122,844? Of these, 67,477 women pass away from this disease. In women, in the age group of 15 to 44 years, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed. However, the incidence of this disease peaks in the age group of 55 to 59. The good news is that cervical cancer is preventable if it is detected in time with a reliable cervical cancer screening test. But before we get to that, let’s understand more about cervical cancer.

What is cervical cancer?

When the cells in the human body are damaged or they become worn out, new cells are created to take their place. Our body is made up of trillions of such cells that are continuously being replaced by new ones. However, when the normal process of cell division is impaired, damaged cells grow and spread.

Cancer is a disease where some of the cells in your body begin to grow out of control and they spread to other parts as well. The disease can start anywhere and can also spread anywhere and begin to grow there.

Now, the cervix is that part of your body that connects your vagina to the upper part of the uterus. The tissue of the cervix is made up of innumerable cells. When healthy cells begin to grow without control, they can turn cancerous. When the cancer starts in the cervix, it is called cervical cancer and specific tests for screening of cervical cancer help identify the change quickly.

How and where does cervical cancer typically begin?

The cervix has two parts:

• Endocervix: This is the opening that channels into the upper uterus where the foetus develops during pregnancy.
• Exocervix: Also known as ectocervix, which is the exterior part of the cervix.

These two parts are covered by different kinds of cells, as listed below.

• Glandular: These cells cover the endocervix.
• Squamous: These cells cover the exocervix.

Where these two regions meet, and the two different types of cells overlap, it is known as the transformation zone in the cervix. Usually, cervical cancer begins right here in the transformation zone. This zone may keep changing as you age or after you give birth.

Two main types of cervical cancer

Squamous cell cancer and adenocarcinoma are the two types of cervical cancer that you can get.

• Squamous cell cancer: This is the most common type of cervical cancer with about 80 to 90% of cancers being identified as squamous cell cancers. This cancer develops when the squamous cells are over produced in the topmost layer of the skin called the epidermis. You may have heard of skin cancers arising from over exposure to the sun. This is one of the major ways in which you can develop squamous cell skin cancer. But this cancer also arises in the sensitive inner lining of organs where you have mucous membranes.
• Adenocarcinoma: This type of cancer grows in the glands that you find lining various organs. This is the most common type of cancer diagnosed. It develops in the cells of the glands, but it can grow well beyond the glands and affect various other parts of your body if left unchecked. About 10 to 20% of cervical cancers are adenocarcinomas.
• Mixed carcinomas: As the name suggests, this is a type of cancer that exhibits the features of both the above kinds. These are comparatively very rare and usually one of the other two variants are found. Other types of cancers may also develop in the cervix, though very rarely.

Understanding pre-cancerous changes and cancer

In the transformation zone of the cervix, the cells do not turn cancerous overnight. Some changes may take place gradually, making the cells abnormal. These changes can be identified by doctors with the help of screening for cervical cancer tests. It is important to note that all pre-cancerous cells do not turn cancerous. In some women, these cells disappear on their own. But in others, these can turn into cervical cancer of the invasive kind that may have fatal outcomes. This is the reason why it is critical to get cervical cancer screening tests done regularly, so that pre-cancerous cells can be identified early and treated/monitored and prevented from turning cancerous. Almost all cervical cancer cases can be prevented by treating pre-cancerous cells effectively and in time. Timely cervical cancer screening can literally save your life.

Factors that cause cancer

Cancer occurs when your genes change in certain ways. This happens because of three main reasons:

• Your parents had it and you have ‘inherited’ it from them
• Something went wrong when the cell division took place in your body
• You were exposed to something (like the sun’s UV rays causing skin cancer) that damaged your DNA

Cervical cancer is most often caused by the human papillomavirus or HPV. This is a sexually transmitted infection that causes this type of cancer. The virus is usually dealt with by the body’s own immune system. However, in some women, the virus remains active for years, and slowly, the healthy cells in the cervix become cancerous.

Keep in mind that the virus spreads from person to person via intimate skin to skin contact. Typically, sexual intercourse with several partners puts one at great risk of an HPV infection that may eventually lead to cervical cancer. High level risk also arises in those who become sexually active at a very young age and in those whose sexual partner is a high-risk individual for HPV infection. If you fall in the high-risk category, periodic cervical cancer screening test is a must for you to prevent this dreaded disease.

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer to watch out for?

This is where the problem arises. When cervical cancer is in the nascent stage, it may have no symptoms or signs at all. It might be impossible to know that changes are taking place in the cervix.

Symptoms begin to appear when the cancer progresses, and they worsen over time. The severity and nature of symptoms varies in line with the organs and the extent to which the cancer has affected your body.

The most common symptoms that you should watch out for, are:

• Bloody spots in between periods or mild bleeding after periods have ended
• Bleeding after you have gone through menopause
• Periods that are longer than usual and where bleeding is much heavier than usual
• Constant pain in the pelvic region or lower back
• Bleeding that follows sexual intercourse
• Bleeding that follows a pelvic exam or douching
• Painful sexual intercourse
• Vaginal discharge that seems unusually heavy
• Foul odour from vaginal discharge

If you have been experiencing any of these symptoms, make a note of them, and note down how long you have been experiencing them. These notes, along with the screening test for cervical cancer will help your physician to derive the right information they need to decide how to proceed with the treatment.

Prevention of cervical cancer

Your best shot at being cancer-free is going for cervical cancer screening, meaning that with the right kind of screening, you can identify precancerous development in your cervix, and address it quickly before it has a chance to become cancerous. The common methods of cancer screening are the Pap smear test and the HPV test. For either, a tool is used to scrape cells off the walls of your cervix and then they are tested. This can show up precancerous cell growth.

There are HPV vaccines available too that can help young adults ward off the risks of cervical cancer. However, you must remember that these only prevent the infection from the human papilloma virus. They cannot help you if you are already infected with the HPV. Ideally, the HPV vaccine should be taken before an individual becomes sexually active. Even for those who have had the HPV vaccine, regular screening test for cervical cancer can be very helpful because vaccines are not 100% fool proof.

There is a third screening test known as the VIA inspection cervical cancer screening. VIA stands for Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid. A dilute solution of vinegar is coated onto the cervix during this screening. The healthcare professional carefully examines the cervix for abnormalities that appear white due to the application of vinegar. This is a relatively simple test requiring only a few equipment, but the expertise of the professional needs to be top-notch to identify the patches correctly.

According to expert cervical cancer screening guidelines, a PAP test every three years, followed by HPV plus Pap testing is immensely helpful. If any anomalies show up in these tests, you will need to undergo further testing using more detailed methods.

Colposcopy as the gold standard for cervical cancer screening

Experts maintain that colposcopy is the best way to detect cancer of the cervix. An HPV test is the primary test, but if it shows an abnormality, further testing is done via colposcopy. Where HPV testing is not available, the colposcopy screening method of cervical cancer can be done every three years.

Typically, in colposcopy, the doctor examines the vagina using a bright light after a speculum is used to hold open the walls of the vagina. The cervix and vagina are swabbed to clear the mucous and then examined. However, if any suspicious areas are found, a tissue sample is collected using a biopsy instrument. This makes the conventional colposcopy an invasive and somewhat painful process. In contrast, the digital colposcopy or imaging-based colposcopy is non-invasive and effective in getting the screening done with complete accuracy.

AI powered colposcopy

The colposcopy screening test for cervical cancer is believed to be the most accurate method for identifying the disease in its early stages. However, the conventional method, which involves a manual examination and extraction of tissues, has its drawbacks.

• Colposcopes are quite expensive and unwieldy in terms of size to manoeuvre easily.
• A health practitioner needs a lot of experience to be able to spot anomalies and determine where to collect the sample tissue from.
• The test is invasive and painful to some extent.

The good news is that digital imaging-based AI powered colposcopy addresses all these shortcomings and delivers accurate results that make the cancer screening process efficient, quick and painless.

The AI powered screening system can help the technician to identify the right sites. This means that the patient does not run the risk of a possible cancer being undiagnosed because of an inexperienced technician examining them. The human error factor is thus eliminated entirely.

Also, AI powered testing brings world-class screening tests to locations where there is a dearth of expert technicians or healthcare professionals who have the expertise to do the screening manually. Plus, this makes the screening test quick, painless and efficient. In short, Ai powered digital imaging-based colposcopy is the best option for you.

The best cervical cancer screening in India using digital colposcopy

AI-based imaging colposcopy screening test for cervical cancer is the best and simplest way to prevent this dreaded disease. This world-class technology is now available in India, thanks to NURA AI Health Screening Centre, which combines the prowess of Dr Kutty’s healthcare with the cutting-edge Fujifilm imaging technology.

The avant-garde technology allows NURA to carry out the most efficient form of testing with minimal doses of radiation. The tests, powered by AI, give extremely accurate results as well. Expert technicians guide you through the entire process, so you can undergo your testing with no anxiety whatsoever and the safe radiation levels mean that periodic screening does not expose you to unhealthy doses of radiation either. With a medical centre that is designed to make the screening/testing process simple and quick for you, and with staff trained to support and help you at every stage, cervical cancer screening in India is simple and effective at NURA.

Can you imagine how it would be if you found it difficult to breathe? Or if you had to put in immense effort to simply cough? How would it feel to be unable to bring out the phlegm accumulated in your lungs? This is how people with COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease feel, day in and day out. In the year 2019, COPD resulted in 3.23 million deaths worldwide according to the WHO and this is the third leading cause of morbidity across the globe. However, COPD is a preventable and treatable disease.

COPD is often confused with emphysema, which also manifests with similar symptoms of shortness of breath. Emphysema is a disease that falls under the umbrella of COPD diseases. This confusion between the two can lead to delayed treatment or incorrect treatment in some cases, which prevents you from getting relief quickly and effectively. While the two are connected, it is important to know the differences too so that the right treatment regimen can be initiated in time.

Let’s start with the most common confusion:

Is emphysema and COPD the same thing?

No. COPD is a common disease across the world that is preventable. COPD affected people can be treated successfully too. COPD is a term used to categorize a range of diseases that affect the lungs. In general, this name is given to any condition where the lung function is impaired owing to obstructed airflow from the organ.

Among COPD diseases, the most common ones found are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. These two may also be seen together in the same patient. In such cases, the symptoms are even more severe as can be expected.

However, it is usually the terms COPD and emphysema that are confused and used interchangeably. Keep in mind, while emphysema is a form of COPD, COPD does not necessarily mean the person suffers from emphysema. While emphysema and COPD do share many similar symptoms, they are not one and the same.

What is the difference between COPD and emphysema?

Understanding the difference between COPD and emphysema helps make the distinction between the two easier.

Emphysema

This condition is caused by damage to the air sacs of the lungs known as alveoli that have very thin walls. These alveoli or air sacs are all clustered towards the end of the lung’s bronchial tubes. These air sacs stretch to take in the oxygen you breathe in and then move it to the blood stream. When you exhale, the air sacs shrink and push out the carbon dioxide. In a healthy person the lung has about 300 million such alveoli.

When emphysema affects the person, the fragile walls of the air sacs or alveoli are damaged. They are unable to help the bronchial tubes function in air transfer and the tubes collapse. This leaves the air that you breathed in trapped inside the lungs with no way to move into the blood stream or be exhaled.

COPD

Patients with COPD may have airflow obstruction caused by emphysema, meaning, from the damage to the alveoli. The obstruction may also occur because of inflammation in the airways. The main difference between emphysema and COPD is that, unlike emphysema, COPD may also be an obstruction caused by airway inflammation caused by bronchitis or a condition called refractory asthma.

Symptoms of COPD and emphysema

While the COPD and emphysema difference is clear from the above, you can also see why some of the symptoms may overlap even when the COPD is not caused by emphysema.

Emphysema symptoms:

• Shortness of breath with light activity
• Sensation of being out of breath all the time
• Wheezing
• Persistent cough, which is often described as smoker’s cough
• Persistent mucous production
• Fatigue

COPD symptoms:

• Breathlessness
• Difficulty in breathing
• Tightness in the chest region
• Increased accumulation of phlegm
• Chronic tiredness

As you can see signs of COPD and emphysema are often very similar. This is why the diagnosis of either is not done solely on the basis of typical COPD and emphysema symptoms. For example, to diagnose emphysema, the physician may carry out a battery of tests including X-Rays, pulse oximetry, ECG, pulmonary function test etc.

Causes of COPD and emphysema

Just like the signs of COPD and emphysema often overlap, so do the causative factors.

• Emphysema: The leading cause is smoking and this is good news in a way because this makes it one of the easiest to prevent respiratory diseases. Other causative factors are pollutants in the environment where we spent most of our time and hereditary factors like deficiency of alpha- 1 antitrypsin. In some cases, neglected respiratory infections also lead to emphysema.
• COPD: Any factors that cause airway obstruction can lead to COPD and these do include continuous exposure to pollutants either by smoking or from inhaling second hand smoke. COPD is caused by conditions like emphysema, chronic bronchitis and refractory asthma.

Treatment for emphysema and COPD

Emphysema COPD damage cannot be reversed but it can be treated and the symptoms managed quite effectively especially when the condition is diagnosed early. When the doctor has confirmed that the COPD is a result of emphysema, any or all of the following treatments may be adopted:

• Quit smoking: For smokers, the first step is to quit the habit. This prevents the lung from being subjected to more strain and damage when it is already weakened.
• Medications: A category of medications called bronchodilators is used to relax the airway muscles. These are taken through hand held devices and they give immediate relief.
• Inflammation reduction: Next, the inflammation in the airways is targeted with medications. Since these drugs can result in side effects if used long term, the doctor generally prescribes these with great caution.
• Oxygen: When the lungs are so badly damaged that the blood stream is not getting enough oxygen, it means the lungs cannot absorb adequate air from the environment. For such people, oxygen therapy, that is giving oxygen via mask or nasal prongs, is recommended.

In some cases, a more invasive and treatment method is also recommended based on the patient’s condition and profile. This is lung volume reduction surgery where the damaged lung tissue is removed and the remaining health lung tissue is joined together.

Emphysema and COPD life expectancy

Let’s make this clear at the outset: COPD is NOT a terminal illness. However, it can progressively worsen over time especially if not detected in time and if left untreated. It is preventable in most cases and also treatable. Early detection plus treatment is very important because this slows down the rate at which the lung function in the patient deteriorates. Healthy lifestyle changes too can slow down disease progression.

The life expectancy of an emphysema and COPD patient depends on their age, overall health and symptom severity. The severity of COPD is assessed using the Global Initiative on Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) system. Based on how much air you can blow out in a second after blowing into a spirometer, doctors calculate your GOLD score. The lower the GOLD score, the higher the life expectancy. Your doctor is the best person to answer the life expectancy question more accurately after factoring in your medical profile.

Conclusion

If you have been confused with the question ‘Is COPD and emphysema the same?’, the answer is No. Emphysema is ONE form of COPD so while COPD and emphysema may occur in the same person, it is typically because the latter is a result of the former.  While the emphysema and COPD difference is undeniable, since they can be interrelated, the symptoms may be the same and also the treatment. What is most important is to understand the value of quick and timely detection, diagnosis and treatment to slow down the disease progress.

Any persistent symptoms from the list you have seen above should prompt a visit to your doctor immediately. If they advise tests, get them done at a reputed lab that can give you accurate, reliable results quickly. If you are unsure about a lab that can give you the perfect results, walk into NURA and avail the standard health package that includes COPD screening. NURA uses unique, ultra-low dose CT scan equipment to screen for COPD. We prioritize patient comfort above everything else and make your experience hassle-free and simple.

You don’t catch an illness only from bacteria or a virus. The way you live your life, the habits you have, and the things you do play a major role in determining the kind of ailments you might contract. Which brings us to lifestyle diseases. Wondering how common they are in India?

Well, did you know that the prevalence of lifestyle diseases varies from city to city across the country? Pune has the lowest prevalence while Lucknow fares poorly, with a whopping 45.10% of its population showing up with at least one lifestyle disease, as per the India Fit report 2022. With these alarming numbers, Lucknow gets the dubious distinction of topping the largest percentage of lifestyle diseases list.

Now, reeling under the COVID pandemic, we may be lulled into thinking that only infectious diseases can harm us. However, statistics tell us otherwise. According to WHO, non -communicable diseases or NCDs, of which lifestyle diseases are a part, claim 41 million lives annually, which is over 70% of all deaths across the globe. Of these, over 15 million deaths occur among people in the age band of 30 to 69 years. In India, NCDs claim 6 million lives.

Clearly, non-infectious diseases are a greater cause for concern than what we assume. With the pandemic turning our lives upside down, making work tougher to manage and eroding the work life balance drastically, the spotlight needs to be on lifestyle diseases that can cause immense damage insidiously. Read on to know more about them.

What are lifestyle diseases?

Diseases that crop up because of the way you lead your life are called lifestyle diseases. Since these diseases are linked to the way of life and not passed on by infected people, they are also called non-communicable diseases or NCDs.

Earlier, these diseases were considered ‘Western diseases’ and it was believed that only the affluent could get them. However, we can see now that even the common man is quite susceptible to these, thanks to the poor lifestyle habits we have adopted today.

Different types of lifestyle diseases may be caused by different lifestyle factors. For example, someone who leads a sedentary life may be at great risk of heart diseases. Someone who has an outdoor job and is on the move all day may curtail this risk, but their smoking habit may put them at a higher risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD.

Some lifestyle diseases examples are:

• Heart disease
• Atherosclerosis
• Stroke
• Respiratory ailments
• Obesity
• Type 2 diabetes

Lifestyle diseases in India

1. Topping the lifestyle diseases list in India is According to experts, this disease is rising exponentially across the country, especially in urban areas. From a controlled 2% during the 70s, it went on to affect more than 15% in the year 2020. In metropolitan cities, the numbers are even more alarming, with 35 to 40% of the residents suffering from diabetes.
2. Obesity is another prevalent lifestyle disease that can affect even children. Between the years 1955 and 2015, the number of obese people in India was found to double. Studies showed that the disease was more common among women. As sedentary lifestyle has become a norm rather than an exception, we can only expect obesity to increase in proportion too.
3. Hypertension appears to be common especially in the Eastern and Northern parts of India. In case of this disease, males seem to be at a greater risk, and so do the residents of urban areas when compared to rural residents. Stress contributes to this disease quite significantly.
4. COPD is more prevalent among women, with women in the age range of 36 to 50 being at greatest risk, about 1.3 times more than their male peers. This is another disease that may arise from exposure to pollution.
5. Arteriosclerosis, where the arterial blood vessel walls thicken, is another common lifestyle disease in India. This disease is often found in conjunction with diabetes, high blood pressure and disproportionate weight.
6. Heart diseases that arise from damage to heart muscle or blood vessels also affect a good number of Indians. These problems can be linked to a lack of activity, smoking, high cholesterol and diabetes too. Reports show that 26% of deaths in the country can be attributed to this cause.
7. One of the diseases that is not often thought of as a lifestyle disease is cancer. However, many cosmetics and household products may be carcinogenic and constant exposure to these can increase the risk of cancer. In 20% of the cases, the disease can be traced back to exposure to toxins in the environment.
8. Mental health diseases have been on the rise especially during and post COVID. Lack of social interactions, being cooped up indoors for months at end, drastic changes in life, loss of near and dear ones- the list is endless when we think of why these ailments are increasing across India.
9. Cirrhosis of the liver is a common complaint among those who drink excessively. With social gatherings becoming the norm at workplaces and alcohol consumption being viewed as a sign of sophistication, this ailment has been on the rise among Indians too.
10. Another fallout of the online life we have been leading for several months now is the prevalence of ear infections among both young and old. Exposure to loud sound, be it music or talking or any other sounds via headphone for an extremely long duration can result in ear infections that cause permanent damage to your hearing ability.

While these are the most common lifestyle diseases, there are plenty more that can be seen in specific lines of work. For example, orthopaedic complaints are common in those who need to work at their desk for hours without break. However, while the list of lifestyle diseases may not be exhaustive, there are a few common causative factors that may lead to one or others.

Causes of lifestyle diseases

These diseases are typically the result of certain habits a person has developed, certain restrictions and limitations they have owing to their lifestyle or some kind of exposure or lack of it that their lifestyle necessitates. To simplify, we can categorise causes into:

• Smoking, drinking, drugs
• Exposure to pollutants at work or home
• Lack of physical activity, restricted movement for prolonged hours
• Habits that cause direct damage to the body (earphones, poor seating)
• Poor or unhealthy eating habits (plenty of processed food, little or no nutritive value in diet, lack of hydration)
• High stress levels
• Poor and/or little sleep

Prevention of lifestyle diseases

The good news here is that it is possible to break the dangerous connection between lifestyle and diseases simply by making changes in the former. To keep lifestyle diseases away, these are the four key points to remember and follow:

• Track and maintain healthy weight
• Focus on nutritious food
• Stay active both mentally and physically
• Avoid smoking, drinking, drugs
• Go for regular preventive screening

The foundation for a healthy lifestyle is laid in the early years. Youngsters must learn the importance of all these in order to choose and adopt a healthy lifestyle at an early stage to avoid these diseases later in life.

Experts point out the importance of preventive screenings to ward off lifestyle related diseases as well. It is common knowledge that regular health check-ups and preventive screenings can help identify even major diseases like cancer at early stages. At this stage, the disease can be addressed effectively and treated with non-invasive methods that have better outcomes. A visit to your doctor at periodic intervals and opting for screening tests – both these play a key role in good health. Equally important is to get the screening done at a reputed healthcare services provider like NURA where world class technology comes together with the best-in-class medical professionals to deliver precise and accurate test results in the minimum time.

Diabetes is a serious concern in India. According to the WHO,  8.7% of the population in the age band of 20 to 70 years suffers from this condition. A slew of factors has led to the growing prevalence of this disease- urbanisation, poor diet, and sedentary lifestyle, among others. And the worrying part is that diabetes can result in or increase the risk of a host of serious health problems that include:

• Heart disease/ stroke
• Nerve damage in the feet
• Blindness due to diabetic retinopathy
• Kidney failure

Clearly, diabetes is not something you can ignore. Monitoring your HbA1c levels and average blood glucose plays a key role in warding off this disease or keeping it under control. Read on to know more.

HbA1c levels and average blood glucose- What does it tell you?

The Haemoglobin A1c test or the HbA1c test is also called the glycated haemoglobin test or glycosylated haemoglobin test. It measures the amount of glucose or blood sugar attached to the part of the blood cell that helps move oxygen through the body to various parts. In fact, HbA1c refers to the joining of the glucose with haemoglobin, meaning that the haemoglobin is glycated. The HbA1c that is formed is directly connected to the amount of glucose in the bloodstream. Blood glucose levels normal range indicates that the task of oxygenating the entire body through haemoglobin is being carried out efficiently.

What is important to note here is that this test gives you the average blood glucose levels over the past three to four months since red blood cells are active for this period. In this way, the test tells you how much sugar or glucose the blood has been carrying for this period.

How does the HbA1C test measure glucose levels in your blood?

The protein in red blood cells is called haemoglobin. It does the critical function of taking the oxygen from your lungs throughout the body. When the glucose, that is the sugar in blood cells, builds up, it sticks to the haemoglobin in the blood cells. The HbA1c test measures the glucose levels in blood simply by measuring the glucose that is bound to the protein. The HbA1c test quickly shows up higher than normal blood glucose levels so that you can take corrective action immediately.  

Blood glucose test vs. blood glucose levels HbA1c test

Now you know that the HbA1c test measures the average blood glucose levels over a certain period, that is three to four months. The blood glucose test is a simpler one that measures the amount of glucose in your blood right at that moment. This blood glucose test is the one that you see diabetics taking for themselves at home with a compact kit after drawing blood via a finger prick.  Sometimes this is done on an empty stomach and repeated after mealtime.

For the HbA1c test, the blood is collected from the vein and not via finger prick. You need to go to a trusted lab to get this test done. So, basically, a simple blood glucose test gives you your sugar levels at that moment, whereas the HbA1c test gives you your sugar levels through a 3-4-month period. The latter is a more comprehensive look at how your body is regulating your blood sugar levels and it is a critical test that helps you to control your diabetes.

The key thing to remember is even if you regularly check your blood glucose levels before and after meals to track your diabetes, you may not be doing enough. This is important, of course, but this test that you can do at home with a finger-prick only tells you your blood sugar levels at a specific point of time. These results may hinge heavily on what your previous meal contained. The HbA1c test, in contrast, gives you a more comprehensive and much more balanced picture of the past three to four months’ status of your blood sugar levels. This is the reason why understanding the HbA1c levels and average blood glucose is so important in diabetes treatment and management.

Why should you check HbA1c and average blood glucose levels?

The HbA1c test is a simple way to measure and monitor blood glucose levels. It helps you compare your findings with blood glucose levels in healthy adults to find out if you have an impending problem. This test is a common diagnostic tool for detection of diabetes. By checking the HbA1c levels and average blood glucose periodically, you can quickly identify any changes in your body and address it before it can have a long-lasting impact on your health or lifestyle.

Most importantly, measuring HbA1c levels and average blood glucose tells you about your risk of long-term complications arising from diabetes. If you are a diabetic, this test gives you a clear picture of how well you have been managing it over the past months and whether you need to pay more attention to it. The HbA1c blood glucose levels chart serves as both a diagnosis tool to detect diabetes and a monitoring tool to evaluate your efficiency in managing the condition.

How often should you check HbA1c and average blood glucose levels?

If you are diabetic or prediabetic, you must monitor blood glucose levels with this test every three months. This tells you if your current medications are working like they should or if you need to relook at them with the doctor.

However, if the tests have consistently shown normal blood glucose levels, then you may be able to extend the gap between tests a little bit. Typically, diabetics must get the HBbA1c levels and average blood glucose test done at least every six months. Usually, you need to take the test as soon as you are diagnosed with diabetes. Then the following factors may determine how often you need to measure the blood glucose levels in this way:

• The type of diabetes you have
• How effectively you can control blood sugar
• The kind of treatment you are undergoing
• The stage of treatment

For prediabetics, testing at least once every year is highly beneficial.

What are the normal glucose levels in blood?

The HbA1c blood glucose levels in healthy adults, that is non-diabetics, should be between 4 and 5.6%. A higher number, 5.7% to 6.4% indicates prediabetes, which puts you at high risk of developing diabetes. If the HbA1c and average blood glucose levels test gives a number that is above 6.5%, you are diabetic and need to address it quickly.

For diabetics, the goal is to keep the HbA1c and average blood glucose levels below 7%. Taking the test every three months lets you monitor blood glucose levels so that you know if it is within the acceptable levels.

It is also important to know what factors can skew glucose levels in blood shown by this test:

• Anaemia or other ailments that affect haemoglobin
• Some supplements, usually vitamin C and E
• High cholesterol
• Malfunctioning liver
• Malfunctioning kidney
• Extreme stress/depression
• Sudden lifestyle change
• Other medications (for example, steroids)
• Common infections (more about this later)

Remember that when your HbA1c and average blood glucose levels are elevated for a significant period, it means that you are at greater risk of long-term adverse impact from the condition.

Why does infection increase blood glucose levels?

If you are testing your HbA1c and blood glucose levels when you are unwell, the numbers may be skewed extremely. Despite your best efforts to maintain normal blood glucose levels, sometimes even a minor illness can increase it to undesirable levels.

This is because infection of any kind creates a stress response in the body. The production of the hormones adrenaline and cortisol shoots up. Both these dampen the action that insulin performs in the body. To compensate for this, the body produces more glucose. This results in higher blood glucose levels. Remember that this may happen even if you are diligently taking your medicines and following the doctor’s advice about diabetes management.

How to prepare for a HbA1c test?

This is not a fasting test, so you do not need to get the HbA1c and average blood glucose levels test done on an empty stomach. You can simply walk into a lab and get the test done.

For this test, blood is usually drawn from a vein in your arm. It is just a pinprick and you might feel some momentary discomfort. The result will be shown in the form of percentages that you can compare with the blood glucose levels normal range to understand if you have your diabetes under control and how well.

Safe, accurate testing at NURA

When you need to keep track of your diabetes or you need to know if your family history of diabetes has affected you, it is essential to get tested periodically and make sure that the testing is done by a reputed lab that guarantees accurate results. At NURA, we have the expertise, the technology and the technicians to give you the best results for all your testing needs. Dr Kutty’s Healthcare, in conjunction with the world leader in medical technology, Fuji Films, offers you the best testing outcomes at NURA.

Whether you are a prediabetic, diabetic or a healthy individual who wishes to be proactive about health, the HbA1c testing at NURA is a great first step to take. You can monitor blood glucose levels to check if your body is showing any changes, check your HbA1c levels and ensure that it is within normal range and verify that your diabetes management is on track with our tests.

Over 40? What you should know about Mammography

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women today. Moreover, it has been noticed that incidence of breast cancer in women increases substantially around the age of 40, which is twice the number as compared to women between 35 to 39 years. While this may look alarming, one of the ways to ensure a healthy future for women above 40 is mammography at least once a year. 

It is recommended that women at normal risk for breast cancer should get yearly mammograms after they are 40 years and each other year beginning at age 55.

Regular screening can significantly bring down the mortality due to breast cancer in women. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) acknowledges an increase in the total number of lives saved and years added to life in women who make mammography screening a mandatory part of their annual health check-up. 

What is Mammography?

Mammography involves using a screening tool called a mammogram to eliminate/detect breast cancer and other breast diseases. It is both a diagnostic and screening tool. Along with regular clinical exams, mammograms are key to detecting breast cancer.

Today, the medical technology behind mammographs has advanced considerably. Digital mammography and it more futuristic counterpart – 3D image-based mammography gives higher clarity and enables earlier diagnosis, putting the patient on the road to recovery. Screening mammography also identifies any breast changes in women who have no signs/side effects from the norm or display any breast variations. The objective of screening mammography is for early detection of cancer even before the clinical signs are visible.

The new-age mammogram equipment is designed with a “patient first” concept – to deliver a less painful, comfortable experience during screening, ably assisted by professional and caring healthcare staff.

Ai-based digital Mammography – A significant step in early breast cancer detection

While breast cancer screening with the help of mammography has improved the prognosis and contributed to a higher recovery rate due to early detection, sometimes the cancers have been missed on screening mammography and suspicions have turned out to be non-cancerous. In such a scenario, how can one be 100% sure? More importantly, how can radiologists and oncologists rely on a screening tool that will enable them to chalk out a diagnosis-treatment-recovery map for their patients?

The answer can be found on an advanced, new-age mammogram tool based on artificial intelligence (Ai). Ai-based algorithms in mammography screening are accurate, provide the much-needed clarity and pave the way for a much earlier diagnosis. The Ai image-based screening can recognize abnormalities associated with cancer and differentiate them from non-cancerous findings. Ai provides not only better and earlier cancer detection but also presents improved efficiency for radiologists. Ai images also detect breast density, can provide reduced image file sizes for improving cancer detection.

An Ai based mammography also provides clarity on the level of a woman’s breast density. This is a crucial piece of information since dense breasts are also considered a risk factor, especially for women with a family history of breast cancer.

An Ai based screening can also help reduce the review time of the breast images by identifying clinically relevant areas and showcasing the important features. Through a system of “smart slicing” and retaining critical image detail, the image volume is reduced by as much as two-thirds. This means saving radiologists and specialists one hour of screening results interpretation time on a daily basis! Moreover, since Ai collects all relevant data related to the patient (background, risk factors etc), it enables a more personalized screening plan for patients.

How does Mammography benefit women above 40?

• Reduces the risk of breast cancer. 
• Helps in early detection of breast cancer and enables higher chances of recovery.
• Helps get insights about general breast health
• When caught early, localized cancers can be removed without the need for breast removal (mastectomy)
• When cancer is detected early it is confined to one area. There is a higher chanced of recovery and more treatment options to choose from.

A few things to keep in mind

Mammography can say your life. Early detection of breast cancer reduces fatality risk by 25% -30% or more. 

It’s absolutely safe. Mammography is a quick procedure and discomfort is minimal. Today with Ai image-based mammography screening, the experience is less painful and caters to your comfort throughout the screening. 

It does not take much time: A Mammography screening takes only 20 minutes. The entire process is comfortable and, in some centres, you can collect your digital reports on check out.

Choose the best quality: An Ai image-based Mammography will give you and your doctor the complete picture, enables early detection and complete clarity on your breast health. 

Do not use an antiperspirant or deo: Before a Mammography makes sure you do not use any perfumes or antiperspirant as this can interfere with the screening and not produce the desired results.

If you are a woman over 40 years of age, it would be a good approach to view Mammography as a friend at hand to help you live a healthy and happy life. Today, with advanced medical technology, the entire process can be reassuring, comforting and puts you on the road to health.