Raelene Kambli, EH News Bureau
Speaking about the need for such a system Dr Chander Lulla, Consultant Radiologist, Jaslok Hospitals told Express Healthcare that presently India has around 1.5 lakh breast cancer patients and by 2020 the patient toll is estimated to rise to 2.5 lakh.
He said, “1 in 22 Indian women are affected by breast cancer and the chances of survival is only 50 per cent as detection happens at a later stage. In this regard, the ABVS is going to help us detect breast cancers early.”
The ABVS gives an overview of the breast just like a geographic map and the most unique feature is that it allows for virtual scans. The machine records the images automatically and then the doctor can analyse the images slide by slide. The entire scanning process just takes around 15-20 mins. Moreover, since it is automatic there is no manual handing by the radiologist which makes the patient more comfortable.
When asked about whether this system is available in any other hospital in India, Dr Lulla mentioned that the ABVS system installed at Jaslok Hospital is in fact the first one in the country so far.
Along with the installation of ABVS, Jaslok Hospital has also associated with the Illumination Initiative of The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign by lighting up part of the hospital in pink calling attention to the importance of breast health and early detection. This initiative is supported by Women’s Cancer Initiative by Tata Memorial and Research Institute.
Speaking on the occasion Dr (Col) R R Pulgaonkar, CEO, Jaslok Hospital, said, “We are happy to have acquired this scanner which provides a 3D detail of the whole breast relatively swiftly which was not possible before. It will also benefit patients with minimal compression during examinations, allowing them to breathe comfortably making for a less stressful experience”.
Dr. Mukund Joshi, Senior Radiologist, Jaslok Hospital, elaborated on the positives of the ABVS terming it as a “breakthrough technology.” Breast density can be a critical factor in breast cancer detection. The ABVS is the most advanced, state-of-the-art breast cancer diagnostic equipment – a painless alternative to mammography. It also allows a more detailed and clearer image as a follow-up to a conventional mammogram.
Summing up, Devieka Bhojwani, a breast cancer survivor who turned activist and initiated the Women’s Cancer Initiative by Tata Memorial and Research Institute, stressed on the importance of awareness and early detection as the only way to battle cancers in women. She added that it is important for all women to understand that they must focus on looking after their health first and then look after their families, as women are the pillars of society.