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Published on: Oct 28, 2020
2 minute read
By: Dr Rajan ( Medical Second Opinion Cell)

COVID: A Reminder To Stay Safe

COVID: A reminder to stay safe

As we approach the second wave of COVID, we need to remain vigilant with our actions to prevent the spread of the virus. We are continuously reminded about wearing a mask in public, maintaining socially distant, and not engaging in risky behavior such as large gatherings. But today we will focus on other forms of transmission. COVID is primarily transmitted by airborne droplets, but spreading the infection through infected surfaces is still feasible. Here we will look at three articles that investigate this mode of transmission.

SARS-COV-2 Survives for 28 days on surfaces

This study by Australian scientists has found that SARS-CoV-2 can survive on surfaces for up to 28 days. The team investigated using the same amounts of virus found on infected individuals, interacting with surfaces such as cotton, paper, stainless steel, glass, and vinyl. Such materials were chosen as they represent commonly touched objects such as mobile phones, ATMs, supermarket checkout regions, items that may not be cleaned regularly enough. Previous research showed the virus could be detected in aerosols for up to three hours, and on plastic and stainless steel surfaces for up to three days.

This study found the virus may survive as long as a week on most surfaces, with enough potency to re-infect. Even after two weeks, there were still plenty of detectable viruses. On other surfaces such as banknotes, the virus could survive as long as a month. The survival of the virus is also potentiated by colder temperatures. The virus is far less likely to survive at 30C than at 6 C, a worrying finding for countries currently approaching winter.

Survival of SARS-CoV 2 on the human skin

We know our skin is host to millions of different bacteria and viruses, but the conditions created by the body alongside the degree of microbial competition actually makes it quite a hostile environment for pathogenic microbes. Hirose et al looked to investigate how well the SARS-CoV-2 virus survives on human skin, using a model. They found that SARS-CoV-2 and the influenza A virus were destroyed more quickly on the skin than other surfaces such as steel, glass, and plastic. However, COVID lasted over 4x longer on skin compared to Influenza A (9 hours vs 1.8 hours).

More importantly, ethanol compounds were found to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 within 15 seconds on human skin. This highlights the importance of regular hand washing, even if with alcohol gel. Taking this in mind, it is useful to keep small bottles of alcohol gel on a person when traveling in public and using it regularly. After all, if you are touching door handles and other items that hundreds of other people may have touched before you, potentially with poor hygiene, it is safer to regularly disinfect.

Low risk of COVID transmission by fomites in real life conditions

Having taken these studies into account, it is quite difficult to quantifiably measure transmission from surface to a person. Knowledge of this transmissibility is quite important, especially to those working in a hospital environment. A review by Mondelli et al published in the prestigious journal The Lancet (Infectious Disease) describes two sequential studies to looking at the possibility of contamination of surfaces in an infectious disease ward of a major Italian hospital, and also whether risk of transmission was higher in emergency rooms and sub-intensive care wards.

These studies found there were very few surfaces in the hospital through which positive swabs could be taken, suggesting contamination was low. Of course the hospitals were running standard cleaning procedures, with regular wipedowns of commonly toughed objects. This again highlights the importance of maintaining hygiene, and how adequate cleanliness can significantly reduce the risk of infection.

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Early Cancer Detection Tests India: Protecting Health Through Timely Screening

Cancer has become one of India’s most significant health challenges, with cases rising steadily across all age groups. According to ICMR, India reports over 14 lakh new cancer cases annually, and many of these are detected in late stages when treatment becomes more complex and survival rates drop dramatically. Early cancer detection tests India play a critical role in identifying abnormal cell activity before cancer fully develops, enabling timely intervention and life-saving outcomes.

SecondMedic offers guided cancer screening support, ensuring individuals understand their risks, choose the right tests, and receive expert interpretation from oncologists and preventive health specialists.

Why Early Detection Matters

1. Higher Survival Rates

Cancers detected at Stage 1 have significantly better treatment outcomes compared to Stage 3 or Stage 4.

2. Less Aggressive Treatment Required

Early-stage cancers often require minimal surgery or targeted therapy.

3. Lower Medical Costs

Advanced cancer care is far more expensive; prevention reduces long-term expenses.

4. Improved Quality of Life

Early detection prevents complications and preserves healthy tissue.

5. Detects Silent or Slow-Growing Cancers

Many cancers-such as cervical, prostate, and thyroid-show no symptoms in early stages.

Who Needs Early Cancer Screening in India?

While screening is recommended for everyone after age 30, certain groups need earlier and more frequent tests:

People with family history of cancer
Smokers or alcohol users
Women with hormonal issues or late pregnancies
Individuals with obesity or diabetes
People exposed to pollution, chemicals, or radiation
Individuals with chronic infections (HPV, Hepatitis B/C)

SecondMedic provides risk-based screening pathways for personalized evaluation.

Key Early Cancer Detection Tests in India

1. Tumor Marker Tests

Blood tests that measure specific proteins or molecules associated with cancer growth.

Common markers include:

AFP (liver cancer)
PSA (prostate cancer)
CA-125 (ovarian cancer)
CEA (colon cancer)
CA 15-3 (breast cancer)
CYFRA 21-1 (lung cancer)

2. Mammography

The gold standard for early breast cancer detection.

3. Pap Smear & HPV Test

Identifies cervical cancer risk long before symptoms appear.

4. Low-Dose CT Scan (LDCT)

Used for lung cancer screening in smokers or high-risk individuals.

5. Ultrasound & Pelvic Imaging

Detect ovarian, uterine, renal, and liver abnormalities.

6. Colonoscopy

Recommended for individuals over 45 or those with family history of colorectal cancer.

7. Genetic Screening Panels

Identify hereditary cancer genes such as:

BRCA1/BRCA2 (breast & ovarian cancer)
Lynch syndrome genes
TP53 mutations

These tests help predict cancer risk decades in advance.

8. Full Body Cancer Screening Packages

SecondMedic offers detailed screening packages combining:

Blood tests
Tumor markers
Imaging
Specialist review

How Early Cancer Screening Works

Step 1: Risk Analysis

SecondMedic evaluates factors such as family history, lifestyle, genetic profile, and symptoms.

Step 2: Test Selection

Appropriate tests are recommended based on gender, age, and risk.

Step 3: Home Sample Collection

Blood and urine samples are collected at home.

Step 4: Lab Analysis

Conducted at NABL-accredited labs.

Step 5: Imaging Referrals

If needed, imaging tests such as mammography or CT scans are arranged.

Step 6: Specialist Review

Oncologists interpret results and recommend follow-up.

Step 7: Monitoring Plan

Continuous tracking ensures early alerts if abnormalities appear.

Advantages of Early Cancer Detection Tests

Detects Cancer Before Symptoms Begin

Most cancers progress silently; early tests reveal abnormalities early.

Reduces Treatment Complexity

Less aggressive options like targeted therapy or minimally invasive surgery may be enough.

Protects High-Risk Individuals

Genetic screening identifies inherited risk early.

Supports Long-Term Health Planning

Individuals can modify lifestyle and habits based on results.

Peace of Mind

Regular screening reduces anxiety about unknown risks.

Challenges in Early Cancer Detection in India

Limited Awareness

Many individuals do not know screening exists until symptoms appear.

Fear and Social Stigma

People often avoid tests due to anxiety or misinformation.

Access Issues in Rural Areas

Specialized screening centers are mostly in cities.

Cost Barriers

Some advanced tests remain expensive.

SecondMedic addresses these challenges through affordable testing, at-home sample collection, and accessible online consultations.

Future of Cancer Screening in India

AI-Based Oncology Tools

Machine learning models for identifying cancer patterns earlier than humans.

Liquid Biopsy

A blood test that can detect multiple cancers at once (multi-cancer early detection).

Genomic Risk Scores

Predict cancer risk based on DNA analysis.

Nationwide Screening Through ABDM

Integrated cancer registries and digital screening records.

SecondMedic is building digital systems to incorporate these advancements into everyday preventive care.

Conclusion

Early cancer detection tests India empower individuals by revealing risk factors, detecting silent cancers, and enabling timely treatment. With modern diagnostics, advanced tumor markers, genetic testing, and imaging tools, cancer can be caught long before it becomes life-threatening. SecondMedic ensures accessible, expert-guided early screening to help individuals take control of their long-term health.

To book your early cancer detection test, visit www.secondmedic.com

References

ICMR - National Cancer Registry Programme
WHO - Cancer screening guidelines
NCI - Early detection research
Statista - Oncology diagnostics growth in India
NITI Aayog - Preventive health ecosystem
SecondMedic oncology insights

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