The introduction of affordable and convenient medical imaging services together with government and charity-led initiatives to raise awareness of the risks of cancer and other diseases have helped to ensure that more people than ever are now having regular imaging tests such as ultrasound investigations performed.
Advances in technology have seen medical imaging equipment become smaller, safer and cheaper to operate in recent years, and images can be produces of excellent clarity using a fraction of the doses of radiation than has previously been possible. This allows patients to have regular preventative diagnostic imaging investigations performed.
Modern medical scanners are cost effective to use in private radiology clinics. Many companies have been set up in London ensuring a greater percentage of the population has access to the best private radiology equipment and imaging. Improved access to quality medical facilities makes screening as quick and convenient as possible.
It is important that while the services are offered, that the message is spread on the importance of having regular screening checks and how early detection of cancer and other diseases can greatly improve the survival rates and quality of life. If diseases are allowed to progress, it becomes harder to treat. Catching a disease in the early stages of development is therefore essential in order to maximise the probability of treatment being successful and of a patient making a full recovery.
Medical experts universally agree that it is essential that men and women focus on their own health, not only on a day to day basis by adopting a healthier diet and taking regular exercise, but by undergoing regular preventative medical checks.
Booking regular medical imaging tests and examinations such ultrasounds and blood tests can help to ensure that should a disease strikes; the appropriate treatment can be administered promptly while it is most effective. Survival rates and quality of life can be greatly increased by having annual examinations such as mammograms or ultrasound imaging tests performed.
According to cancer statistics on mortality of cancer released by the government, there has been a pronounced decline in deaths from cancer over the past decade. However, it reports that cancer is still the second most common cause of death. The statistics show that the incidence of cancer is also on the increase. This can be partly explained by the improvements in cancer screening programs and the wider availability of medical imaging equipment at hospitals and private ultrasound clinics.
Regular screening tests have helped to reduce the mortality from cancers substantially. The mortality rate has declined by over 30% over the past 20 years, with the age normalized survival rate increasing to 89.4 per cent. The statistics paint a worrying picture about the increase in prevalence of the disease, with predictions that by 2022 there will be 17,210 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed. Fortunately with medical screening test facilities now so widely available, it is hoped that new cases can be diagnosed and treated quickly.
Medical imaging tests can be arranged through your doctor or with a private healthcare clinic. The NHS offers a range of screening services depending on the patients age.
