Latest news with #HNRelianceFoundationHospital
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
‘Track your scans. Repeated CTs can increase your cancer risk'
Computed Tomography (CT) scans are widely used in modern medicine for accurate diagnosis of a host of diseases. But a recent study conducted in the US in 2023 and published in JAMA Internal Medicine says CT scans could cause over 1,00,000 extra cancer cases. Lata Mishra speaks to HN Reliance Foundation Hospital onco-surgeon Dr Ashutosh Kothari about why the growing use of CT scans in Indian healthcare is a cause for concern The study suggests that CT-induced cancers could eventually account for 5% of all new cancer cases annually. Does this statistic surprise you, especially in the context of India's increasing use of CT scans? Do you think we are likely to see a rise in radiation-induced cancers here? Radiation exposure is known to increase cancer risks. And CT scans expose patients to a much higher level of ionising radiation than regular X-rays. A chest X-ray delivers around 0.1 mSv (millisievert) of radiation, while a CT scan can deliver around 10 mSv, which is 70 to 100 times more radiation in one scan. Exposure to ionising radiation can cause breaks in the DNA strands of cells, which one's bodily mechanisms may not be able to repair perfectly, leading to mutations that can be passed on when the cells divide. Over time, these mutations can accumulate and cause cells to grow abnormally into a tumour, often leading to cancer. For a single CT scan, the risk is generally low, but cancer risk increases with repeated exposure. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Are Indians at risk owing to overuse? The use of CT scans has increased globally, with an annual rise of about 3-4%. In 2023, 93 million scans were conducted in the US alone. The study is concerning given that the population of India is approximately four times larger than that of the US. This could mean that an indiscriminate and repeated use of CT and PET scans could potentially lead to an increase in new cancers such as lung, colon, leukaemia, thyroid and breast cancer. Organs with high cell turnover rates, like the colon and bone marrow, are more vulnerable to DNA damage from ionising radiation. Tissues with rapidly dividing cells, including the ovaries and breast tissue, are especially radiosensitive and mutations in these cells can trigger abnormal growth, increasing cancer risk over time. CT scans are often critical to monitor disease progression or detect recurrence in cancer patients. But it must be used judiciously and not as a default approach. Overuse not only leads to unnecessary radiation exposure but also to increased healthcare costs. How much radiation exposure is safe? Are younger patients at more risk? Ideally, all radiation exposure should be minimised. According to the International Commission on Radiological Protection, for doctors and imaging technicians, the effective dose limit is 20 mSv per year, averaged over five years, with no single year exceeding 50 mSv. Also, organs like the eyes, skin, hands and feet have different thresholds. As for others, we are naturally exposed to about 3 mSv of background radiation annually, and any radiation from CT scans or other imaging adds to that. Children are especially vulnerable to radiation as their tissues are still developing, and they have a longer lifetime during which radiation-induced effects could manifest. That's why the American Academy of Paediatrics follows the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle for safe imaging practices in paediatric care. Are there any protocols or regulatory bodies in India to monitor CT scan radiation exposure and limit unnecessary repeat scans, especially in private centres? There are no formal governance structures in India that actively track the number of CT scans a patient undergoes, or the cumulative radiation dose over a period of time. Hospitals are expected to follow ALARA principles, but it largely depends on their discretion and awareness levels. Can alternative imaging like MRI, ultrasound be used to cut radiation risk? Yes, for certain conditions. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses magnetic fields and radio waves, and doesn't involve ionising radiation. It's often preferred for soft tissue imaging. Ultrasound, another radiation-free option, is commonly used for imaging organs like the liver, kidneys, and in obstetrics for foetal assessments. But CT scans remain a crucial tool for specific diagnoses. A risk-benefit analysis is essential before every scan. Patient safety and clinical necessity should be the utmost priority for physicians. What steps can hospitals and doctors take for judicious use of CT scans? Most hospitals now use dose-tracking software to track cumulative radiation exposure for every patient. Imaging centres can also get accredited by institutions such as the American College of Radiology to maintain radiation safety standards. Newer CT scanners have iterative reconstruction and dose modulation technologies that cut radiation doses by as much as 50% without sacrificing image quality. If patients are made aware of these, they will force hospitals to invest in such machines. What should patients ask the doctor before agreeing to a CT scan? They must ask if the scan is absolutely essential as lower-radiation alternatives might be equally effective. It's a good idea to keep a personal record of previous X-rays, CT scans, or nuclear medicine tests, especially if they are seeing more than one doctor, to prevent unnecessary repeat scans.
Hindustan Times
24-04-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Mukesh Ambani condemns 'barbaric' Pahalgam attack, offers free treatment for all injured
Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani has condemned the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam this week, offering condolencer to the families of those killed and providing free treatment to those injured at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital in Mumbai. Reliance Industries shared Mukesh Ambani's statement on behalf of the Reliance family on social media. 'I am joined by everyone in the Reliance family in mourning the deaths of innocent Indians in the barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22nd April 2025. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. We wish speedy and full recovery to all those injured in the attack. Our Reliance Foundation Sir HN Hospital in Mumbai will offer free treatment to all the injured," the message read. The Reliance Chairman also pledged his full support to the Indian government in the battle against terrorism. "Terrorism is an enemy of humanity. It must not be supported by anyone in any manner. We fully stand with our Honourable Prime Minister, the Government of India, and the entire country in the decisive battle against the menace of terrorism," his statement read. Days after 26 people, mostly tourists, were mercilessly gunned down by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's scenic Pahalgam, the cnetral government has suspended visa services to Pakistani nationals with immediate effect. The Ministry of External Affairs has advised Indians not to travel to Pakistan and stated that all Pakistani nationals are required to leave India as their visas stand revoked with effect from April 27. In the wake of the attack, India took five steps against Pakistan, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, shutting down the integrated check post at the Attari border, and reducing diplomatic staff at both countries' high commissions.
