A physician clarifies the significance of early detection in the management of childhood cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases
Effective management and treatment of major health conditions, such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular issues, particularly in young individuals, depend heavily on early identification. Regular examinations and screenings may help detect any health issues before they become worse, improving results and facilitating quick action.
Regular cancer screenings, such as mammograms and colonoscopies, may identify problems early on, when therapy is most successful. In a similar vein, routine blood pressure checks and blood sugar tests may help identify cardiovascular disease and diabetes early on.
We spoke with Dr. Shailesh Desai, a consultant pathologist at Metropolis Healthcare Limited, on the value of early diagnosis in the treatment of a variety of illnesses, including diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disorders, especially in young people.
Diabetes, heart disease, and underlying cancer are the main causes of mortality and morbidity among young people in the Indian population.
According to Dr. Shailesh, ICMR data indicates that by 2025, the incidence of cancer cases in India is expected to grow by 12.8%. Testicular, thyroid, cervical, and breast cancers are the most prevalent malignancies in teenagers and young adults (ages 15 to 39). In the ongoing care of cancer, early detection by accessible diagnostics and prompt treatment are still essential. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that women in the general population undergo routine cervical cancer screening, beginning at age 30, using cytology and HPV DNA-based testing. For women living with HIV, screen-and-treat techniques and guidelines are now available. Mammography screening is preferred for early detection of breast cancer in women under 40 years of age in India, where the prevalence of the disease is 14.8%.
Regardless of risk factors, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) advises screening all individuals beginning at age 45 using plasma glucose tests, often known as HbA1c testing. It is also advised to screen asymptomatic children and adolescents for type 2 diabetes or prediabetes using a risk-based approach, especially if they are obese or overweight. Other risk factors that should be considered include hypertension, family history, previous gestational diabetes, and PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) in young females. Testing should start in adolescence and continue every three years if everything goes according to plan. Patients at risk for pre-diabetes should be tested annually, and those without symptoms or risk factors should start testing for blood sugar levels around age 45.
Furthermore, it’s becoming common for young individuals to die young from cardiac problems. Atherosclerosis, or blockage of the heart’s blood vessels, is the most prevalent cause. Physical trauma and hereditary cardiac disorders are other factors. Young people need to be made aware of the signs of a heart attack and the need to get medical attention as soon as possible. Beginning at age 20, the American Heart Association (AHA) advises screening for coronary artery disease (CAD) using measures including lipid profiles and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels. Those with a family history of certain disorders should also undergo extra testing.
The development of such illnesses is often significantly influenced by negative lifestyle modifications. A balanced diet with minimal consumption of saturated fat and salt, drinking plenty of water, exercising often, controlling weight, avoiding crash diets, giving up alcohol and smoking, and getting seven to nine hours of sleep every day are all examples of positive lifestyle adjustments.
Dr. Shailesh concludes by recommending the use of stress-reduction methods like yoga, deep breathing, and meditation since persistent stress may have an adverse effect on general health. Speaking with medical professionals regarding screening testing is crucial.
