Early, exact, easy detection key to cancer prevention, cure: Dr Jitendra
STATE TIMES NEWS
GURUGRAM: “Early, exact and easy detection is the key to prevention and cure of Cancer” was the Mantra coined by Union Minister, Dr. Jitendra Singh while inaugurating one of the first of its kind, latest diagnostic facility, 128-slice Digital PET-CT scanner with AI (Artificial Intelligence) driven integrated investigative set up at Mahajan Imaging & Labs, Gurugram, marking a major step forward in early cancer detection and screening.
Dr Jitendra-a noted senior medical professional himself-emphasised the critical role of early and accurate diagnosis in transforming India’s cancer care landscape. “This advancement is more than just a technological leap-it represents how innovation can be harnessed with empathy to ensure better health outcomes for all,” he said. The facility, featuring AI (Artificial Intelligence) powered technology and advanced pathology labs, is aimed at improving accessibility to precision oncology services in the region.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s repeated emphasis on fitness, weight control, Yoga and wellness, Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted the government’s efforts in this area and added that 200 Day Care Cancer Centres are being set up in district hospitals this year. Alongside full customs duty exemption on 36 life-saving medicines used in treating cancer and other chronic diseases, he added. The 128-slice Digital PET-CT scanner-Omni Legend by GE HealthCare-offers a spatial resolution of 1.4 mm, 60% lower radiation exposure, and AI-enhanced lesion detection. Such innovations are key to detecting cancer at earlier stages, when treatment is more effective, survival rates significantly improve and many of the cases absolutely curable. Dr Jitendra also made a strong pitch for mass cancer screening, urging private healthcare providers to partner with the government in expanding affordable diagnostic solutions. “More than 70% of cancer cases in India are detected at late stages. We need a preventive, community-based approach that leverages both public and private innovation. I appeal to the healthcare fraternity to come together in this national mission for a cancer-free India,” he said. Dr. Singh, drawing on his unique perspective as both a medical professional and a policymaker, emphasized the human dimension behind the technology. “This is not just about machines and diagnostics; it’s about families who wait with hope, about lives that can be changed with timely intervention,” he said. Reflecting on the emotional weight of a cancer diagnosis, he added, “I have seen the anxiety on the faces of patients and their families. The sooner we detect, the better we treat. Technology like this brings healing not just through medicine, but through reassurance and timely action.” Stressing the moral imperative of equitable access, the Minister said, “It is not acceptable that someone’s chances of survival should depend on their pin code.” He urged the medical community and the private sector to view innovations not merely as advancements, but as responsibilities. “We are at a point in India’s medical journey where innovation must go hand in hand with inclusion,” he said, calling for a national movement towards cancer awareness, prevention, and early detection.
Dr Jitendra concluded by saying that integrated diagnostics, community awareness, and collaborative innovation are the cornerstones of India’s fight against cancer. “If government and private sector work together, we could aim at not just treating cancer better, but also preventing it before it strikes.”
