NEWS & INSIGHTS
The Benefits of PET-CT Scans in Early Cancer Detection

Catching cancer in its early stages can make a big difference to a patient’s treatment results and chance of survival. According to the National Institute of Health, PET-CT scans are particularly significant because they help spot cancer at an initial stage with great precision. This blog will discuss why it is essential to detect cancer early, what PET-CT scans entail, and offer detailed information about preparation for the scan, radiation dose, as well as post-scan things to consider.
The Importance of Early Cancer Detection
The World Health Organization says that finding cancer early is crucial. Doing so improves the possibility of successful treatment and staying alive. It gives opportunity for timely action, stopping the cancer from spreading and generating more problems. Methods for early detection, like PET-CT scans, play a crucial part in finding cancer during its beginning stages. This helps to use more efficient and less destructive treatments.
What Is a PET-CT Scan?
What does a PET-CT scan do? A PET-CT scan merges the methods of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT), giving us clear pictures of internal body structures. The PET scan finds metabolic activity and tissue or organ function, while the CT provides detailed anatomy images. They provide a thorough understanding of cancer’s occurrence and dispersion, which helps with correct diagnosis and categorization.
How Do You Prepare for a PET Scan?
Correct preparation for a PET scan is key for precise outcomes. Healthline recommends the following:
- Fasting: You may be required to fast for several hours before the scan.
- Hydration: Drinking water is encouraged to help flush the radioactive tracer from your body.
- Avoid Certain Activities: Strenuous exercise should be avoided 24 hours before the scan.
- Medication: You should tell your healthcare provider about any medicines you are using because they might need to make changes.
How Will a PET Scan Radiation Dose Affect Me?
Worries regarding the PET scan radiation dose are natural. It is low, like other types of imaging for diagnosis. The advantages of precise cancer findings are much more significant than the small dangers linked with radiation exposure. Additionally, you should stick to the instructions given by your healthcare provider and let them know if you are pregnant or nursing.
How Long Are You Radioactive After PET Scan?
Patients usually inquire, how many days are you radioactive after a PET scan? The radioactive substance employed in the scan generally persists for a brief duration. Your body will eliminate most of this tracer through urine within several hours. You can assist the body in eliminating the radioactive substance by complying with post-scan advice, like consuming a lot of fluids. Generally, any leftover radioactivity disperses within 24 to 48 hours, says the International Atomic Energy Agency.
A PET-CT scan is beneficial in finding and controlling cancer at its beginning stage. The detailed pictures it gives, along with metabolic details, enable precise identification, assisting doctors in planning treatments properly. Knowing why detecting cancer early is so crucial, what happens during a PET-CT scan, how to prepare for it, and the effects of radiation dose can all aid you in making wise choices about your health.
If you are worried about cancer finding or thinking of a PET-CT scan, reach out to Well Health Diagnostic Centres. We have specialists ready to give you the details and help required for managing your well-being.