Cancer is often called a silent disease because it can grow inside the body without clear warning signs in the early stages. Many people only discover it when symptoms become serious. However, medical experts now say that advanced imaging technology may help detect it much earlier than before.
According to Dr Tarang Krishna, this disease could potentially be detected up to five years in advance using just two modern scans. He explains that most people remain confused about how early diagnosis really works and what tools are available today.
How PET And MRI Help Detect Cancer Early
Dr Tarang Krishna highlights two key scans that are widely used in cancer detection:
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
PET (Positron Emission Tomography)
An MRI works like a highly advanced camera. It produces detailed images of body tissues. It can clearly show lumps, tumours or abnormal growths in different parts of the body. However, MRI alone cannot confirm whether a lump is cancer or not. This is where PET scans become important in cancer detection.
A PET scan shows how active the cells are. It helps doctors understand whether the cells are growing rapidly, which is a strong indicator of cancer activity. This combination improves accuracy in early diagnosis.
Dr Tarang Krishna explains that together, these scans give a more complete understanding of cancer inside the body.
Cancer Detection Rates And Medical Insights
As mentioned by medical imaging experts and clinical data, PET scans are increasingly being used in India for early cancer detection. Around 5 to 6 lakh PET scans are conducted every year, mainly for diagnostic purposes.
Studies also suggest that PET scans can detect it around 15 to 20 percent earlier compared to some traditional methods. This early detection can play a crucial role in improving treatment outcomes for patients.
Key benefits of combined PET and MRI scans in cancer detection include:
- Better identification of abnormal cell activity
- More accurate tumor mapping
- Early detection before symptoms appear
- Improved treatment planning for doctors
Why Early Detection Matters
Early detection remains one of the strongest weapons against this deadly disease. When identified at an early stage, treatment becomes more effective and less complicated. Experts believe that awareness about scans like PET and MRI can help reduce late-stage cancer cases.
While technology is advancing, doctors still emphasise regular health check-ups and timely screening, especially for people at higher risk.
