• Published on: Sep 26, 2025
  • 3 minute read
  • By: Secondmedic Expert

How Early Screening Saves Lives In India

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Most people in India visit a doctor only when symptoms become obvious. But diseases like diabetes, hypertension, cervical cancer, breast cancer, and oral cancer often develop silently for years. By the time they show clear signs, treatment is harder, more expensive, and less effective. Early screening changes that story. It detects illness before it advances, saves lives, and reduces the long-term burden on families and hospitals.

Why Early Screening Matters

Catching diseases early offers multiple benefits:

  • Improved survival - A patient diagnosed with breast cancer in Stage I has a survival rate above 90%, but in Stage IV, it drops below 20%.

  • Lower costs - Treating diabetes at a prediabetic stage is far cheaper than managing kidney or heart complications later.

  • Better quality of life - Early treatment reduces pain, disability, and stress for families.

  • Stronger healthcare system - Screening reduces emergency admissions, freeing hospitals for critical cases.
     

According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), awareness and participation in cancer screening remain worryingly low across many Indian states. In fact, only a small fraction of eligible women have ever been screened for cervical or breast cancer. This shows the huge gap between policy and practice.

Challenges India Faces

Despite clear benefits, India struggles with:

  • Low awareness - Many families are unaware of free or subsidized screening programs.

  • Stigma and fear - Especially around cancers and mental health.

  • Infrastructure gaps - Rural areas often lack labs, machines, and trained staff.

  • Data limitations - As noted in NITI Aayog’s Vision 2035 report, India needs stronger health surveillance systems to track, integrate, and act on screening results.
     

These challenges explain why late diagnosis is so common and why early screening hasn’t yet become routine practice for most Indians.

Innovations in Early Screening

The good news is that India is moving forward.

  • AI-based tools like Thermalytix are being piloted to detect breast abnormalities at lower cost, even in mobile camps (Nature study, Punjab pilot).

  • Mobile health camps bring oral, cervical, and breast cancer screening directly to villages.

  • Telemedicine platforms allow people to consult doctors about screening needs and book diagnostics online.

  • Policy support through programs like NPCDCS (National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases & Stroke) integrates population-based screening into primary health centres.
     

These advances are bridging gaps and making screening more accessible to Indians across age and income groups.

A Call to Action for Families

If you are 30 or above, especially with a family history of lifestyle diseases, it’s time to act. Book an annual health checkup, ask your doctor about cancer screening, and encourage your loved ones to do the same. Early steps can save not only lives but also years of financial and emotional stress.

Book your preventive screening package with SecondMedic today ? https://www.secondmedic.com

Conclusion

Early screening is not just about tests — it’s about giving yourself and your family the best chance at a healthy future. With India facing rising rates of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, prevention and early detection are the smartest investments anyone can make. The numbers already show how much difference early action makes. Now it’s up to individuals, families, and communities to take that first step.

India’s healthcare system is evolving, but awareness and participation are key. By using available programs, health surveys, and digital platforms, we can turn early screening from a missed opportunity into a nationwide habit — one that saves millions of lives.

The Numbers Behind the Story

  • NFHS-5 shows cervical, breast, and oral cancer screening uptake is still below 10% in many states.

  • NITI Aayog projects that stronger surveillance and early detection could reduce preventable deaths by over 20% in the next decade (Vision 2035 Report).

  • IAMAI surveys reveal that more than 70% of urban Indians are now open to digital health platforms, which can accelerate screening adoption.

  • India’s telemedicine and screening market is projected to cross $5.5 billion by 2025 (NITI estimates).
     

Useful Platforms & Surveys

AI-based Breast Screening Study in Punjab (Nature Digital Medicine): Study Link

Read FAQs


A. Because many diseases like cancer, diabetes, and hypertension remain silent until advanced stages. Screening detects them early, improving outcomes.

A. Blood sugar (diabetes), lipid profile (heart), blood pressure, cervical, breast & oral cancer, thyroid, vitamin D/B12, and annual full-body checkups.

A. Low awareness, stigma, rural infrastructure gaps, and limited participation despite national initiatives.

A. Yes, the NPCDCS program and NFHS-led monitoring support population-based screening, especially for cancers and chronic diseases.

A. Platforms like NFHS (National Family Health Survey), NITI Aayog Vision 2035, and NDAP provide open health data.

Read Blog
Neurobion

Neurobion Forte: Benefits for Nerve Health and Vitamin B Deficiency

Vitamin deficiencies are a common but often overlooked health issue. Among them, vitamin B deficiency is particularly significant because of its direct impact on nerve function, energy metabolism and overall neurological health. Neurobion Forte is a widely used vitamin B-complex supplement designed to address these deficiencies and support nerve health.

Understanding how Neurobion Forte works and when it is beneficial helps individuals make informed decisions about their nutritional and neurological wellbeing.

 

What Is Neurobion Forte?

Neurobion Forte is a combination supplement containing essential B vitamins, primarily:

  • vitamin B1 (thiamine)
     

  • vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
     

  • vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
     

These vitamins play a vital role in nerve signal transmission, energy production and maintenance of the nervous system.

 

Why Vitamin B Is Essential for Nerve Health

B vitamins are crucial for:

  • nerve impulse transmission
     

  • myelin sheath formation
     

  • energy metabolism in nerve cells
     

Deficiency can impair nerve function, leading to discomfort and neurological symptoms.

 

Common Causes of Vitamin B Deficiency

Vitamin B deficiency may occur due to:

  • inadequate dietary intake
     

  • poor absorption
     

  • chronic illnesses
     

  • long-term medication use
     

  • alcohol misuse
     

Vegetarians and elderly individuals are particularly at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency.

 

Symptoms of Vitamin B Deficiency

Early symptoms may include:

  • fatigue
     

  • weakness
     

  • numbness or tingling in hands and feet
     

  • poor concentration
     

If untreated, deficiency may progress to more serious neurological problems.

 

How Neurobion Forte Supports Nerve Health

Supports Nerve Repair

Vitamin B12 contributes to nerve regeneration and maintenance of nerve fibres.

 

Improves Nerve Signal Transmission

Vitamin B1 supports proper nerve impulse conduction.

 

Reduces Nerve Irritation

Vitamin B6 helps regulate neurotransmitter synthesis, reducing nerve-related discomfort.

 

Supports Energy Metabolism

B vitamins help convert food into energy, supporting overall nerve and muscle function.

 

Role of Neurobion Forte in Nerve Pain

Nerve pain caused by vitamin deficiency may present as:

  • burning sensation
     

  • tingling
     

  • numbness
     

  • shooting pain
     

In such cases, correcting the deficiency through supplementation may help relieve symptoms over time.

 

Conditions Where Neurobion Forte Is Commonly Used

Neurobion Forte may be prescribed or recommended in cases such as:

  • peripheral neuropathy
     

  • diabetic neuropathy (as supportive care)
     

  • nutritional deficiency-related nerve symptoms
     

  • general weakness associated with vitamin B deficiency
     

It is not a painkiller but supports underlying nutritional correction.

 

Importance of Medical Guidance

While vitamin supplements are widely available, inappropriate or excessive use may cause side effects.

Medical guidance ensures:

  • correct diagnosis
     

  • appropriate dosage
     

  • monitoring of response
     

Self-medication should be avoided, especially for long-term use.

 

Diet and Vitamin B Intake

Dietary sources of B vitamins include:

  • whole grains
     

  • legumes
     

  • dairy products
     

  • eggs
     

  • meat and fish
     

Balanced nutrition remains the foundation of vitamin sufficiency.

 

Who May Benefit Most from Neurobion Forte?

Individuals who may benefit include:

  • those with confirmed vitamin B deficiency
     

  • people with nerve-related symptoms
     

  • elderly individuals with poor nutrient absorption
     

  • individuals with restricted diets
     

Supplementation should complement dietary improvement.

 

Possible Side Effects and Precautions

When taken as advised, Neurobion Forte is generally well tolerated.

However:

  • excessive vitamin B6 intake may cause nerve symptoms
     

  • allergic reactions are rare but possible
     

Always follow professional advice.

 

How Long Does It Take to See Benefits?

Improvement depends on:

  • severity of deficiency
     

  • duration of symptoms
     

  • individual health status
     

Some people notice symptom improvement within weeks, while others require longer support.

 

Neurobion Forte and Overall Wellbeing

Correcting vitamin B deficiency supports:

  • nerve health
     

  • energy levels
     

  • cognitive function
     

  • overall vitality
     

Supplementation is most effective when combined with healthy lifestyle habits.

Conclusion

Neurobion Forte plays an important role in managing vitamin B deficiency and supporting nerve health. By supplying essential B vitamins, it helps restore nerve function, reduce deficiency-related symptoms and improve overall neurological wellbeing. While it can be highly beneficial when deficiency is present, its use should always be guided by medical advice to ensure safety and effectiveness. Balanced nutrition, early diagnosis and appropriate supplementation together form the foundation of healthy nerve function.

 

References

  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Micronutrients and Neurological Health

  •  Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Nutrient Deficiency Guidelines

  • National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) – Vitamin B and Nerve Function Reports

  • Lancet Neurology – Vitamin Deficiency and Neuropathy Studies

  • Indian Journal of Clinical Nutrition – Vitamin B Supplementation Researc

  •  Statista – Dietary Supplement Usage Trends

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