Tag: Dr. Sanjay Ingle

Diagnosing Cancer At An Early Stage Saves Lives: Warns Doctor

Pune: India is witnessing a surge in cancer cases and the graph is continuously increasing. Before lockdown, the number of people coming for tests to diagnose cancer was high. During the pandemic, the numbers dramatically declined. Now, the focus is again on appealing to everyone to go for regular health checkups like Pap smear, oral checkup, mammography, and other blood tests for prompt diagnosis of cancers. Delayed diagnosis can result in increased morbidity and mortality.

Cancer cases are rising and there is an enormous challenge in the prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. The causes of cancer are multifactorial like food habits, pollution, working in chemical factories, alcohol or tobacco consumption. Since the testing has improved so the diagnosis has also improved now. Timely screening aims to identify ones with abnormalities suggestive of specific cancer or pre-cancer who have not developed any symptoms and refer them promptly for diagnosis and treatment.

Dr Sanjay Ingle, Pathologist, and Zonal Technical Head West India, Apollo Diagnostics, Pune, highlighted, “In men, oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract cancers are on the rise while in women, breast, cervical and ovarian cancer cases are common. Regular health checkups for detecting cancers are mandatory for everyone above 40 as many follow a sedentary lifestyle. Pap smear test will help diagnose cervical cancer at an early stage. CA 125 test can be taken to detect ovarian carcinoma under doctor supervision. Every woman post 30 should go for it as the causative pathology occurs at a younger age and manifests after a certain period of time. Catching infection at an early stage can prevent cervical and ovarian cancer. Women above 40 should go for regular mammograms, and if one has a history of breast cancer then opt for genetic testing. Men who smoke or consume tobacco right from a younger age should go for oral examination after every 6 months. Men above 40 to take prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test after every one year. without fail.”

Dr. Ingle added, “Before lockdown, around 30% of people would take tests after their experts’ advice (Dec -Jan month). Now, only 8% of people above 40 come for cancer screening (Dec-Jan). Pre-covid, around 10-15 women, would come for Pap smear test. But, due to the fear of contracting Coronavirus, only 1-2 people took tests, till last year. In January 2021, 5-7 patients come on a daily basis for Pap smear tests. Currently, there is a lot of awareness in people regarding the signs and symptoms of cancer. Hence, it is imperative to take charge of the health and keep cancer at bay.”

Nutrient Deficiency Affect Your Mental Health: Study

 Dr. Sanjay Ingle, Zonal Pathologist, and Technical Head West India, Apollo Diagnostics  

Regular check-up of nutrition in the body is vital to get a well-balanced diet, that can provide important vitamins for a healthy lifestyle Says, Doctor

Pune, Sep 2020: On the occasion of the National Nutrition Week 2020, Apollo Diagnostics, the diagnostic division of Apollo Health & Lifestyle Limited (AHLL) conducted a study on nutrition deficiency associated due to poorer diet and physical health among young, a major reason for mental health problems.

The nutrient plays a major role in our mental health, as it impacts our mood, anxiety level, ability to focus, and every other aspect of brain function. Eating well (i.e. a well-balanced diet rich in vegetables and nutrients) may be associated with feelings of wellbeing. Regular check-up of nutrition in the body is vital to get a well-balanced diet, that can provide important vitamins for a healthy lifestyle.

People with diets deficient are at risk. Low dietary intakes and all micronutrient deficiencies such as vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and folate, are associated with functional decline, decreased quality of life, and increased healthcare costs. Good nutrition helps in building blocks that are necessary for producing chemicals in the brain needed to properly regulate our mood and behaviour.

Micronutrient inadequacies are a common and avoidable contributor to decreased quality of life. To create awareness about the importance of proper nutrition to our body. Apollo Diagnostics conducted a study by taking a health check-up sample report among the age group of 25- 55. It has been noticed that around 20% of people who underwent health check-up in the last 12 months, has nutrition deficiency, a leading cause of mental health.

People are unaware about the ignorance of the importance of nutrition such as Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Vitamin D, B12, Carbohydrates, Protein, Magnesium, Zinc, Iron, Folate, Selenium in their daily diet. Regular test (health check-up) of such nutrition will keep a healthy lifestyle.

· Zinc – Poor zinc levels can impact mood and anxiety levels, reduce appetite, and lead to people generally feeling like they have no energy or motivation to do things,

· Omega-3 Fatty Acids – It supports healthy brain function and low levels can lead to unstable moods, depression, anxiety, poor focus, and attention,

· Vitamin D – It is needed for neurotransmitter production, and low levels have been linked to depression, anxiety, and a host of other mental health symptoms

· B12 – Intake of B12 help in the improvement of depression.

· Magnesium- Magnesium levels that are lower than they should be, which can lead to increased anxiety and panic, restlessness, poor sleep, and irritability.

· Selenium- It helps improve mood.