Although the use of cutting-edge imaging technology such as 3-D CT (Computed Tomography) scans for preventative, as opposed to diagnostic purposes is widespread abroad, particularly in the USA where individuals have long taken a proactive role in their own health, it is only now taking root in South Africa. This delay has been due to the lack of availability of the latest generation Multi-detector 3-D CT scanners and absence of the intellectual expertise and training in Preventive Imaging.
"While the standard of medicine in South Africa is generally good and we have some world-class facilities and highly skilled practitioners, the focus is largely on diagnosis of manifested disease and treatment - so called diagnostic medicine. However, by the time symptoms develop and disease processes are diagnosed, it is often too late for effective treatment, particularly in the case of Dread Disease," explains Dr Mitch Kaplan, a Specialist Radiologist who founded Scan for Life with Dr Louis Sulman.
Preventive Medicine, as opposed to conventional Diagnostic Medicine, focuses on identifying health risks and screening for the earliest stages of disease in asymptomatic, apparently healthy individuals. Unfortunately, the early tell-tale signals that something could be wrong are seldom noticed or detected during conventional medical examinations and tests, especially without the use of invasive, uncomfortable and risky procedures," he says.
Scan For Life utilises completely non-invasive, state of the art, medical imaging technology to detect the earliest signs of Dread Disease before noticeable symptoms or signs emerge. Three dimensional CT Scans are performed on the latest Multi-detector Multi-slice CT Scanner available world-wide, which can detect even the slightest abnormalities in key organs of the body including the heart and coronary arteries, lungs, brain, colon, and the whole-body.
"If there is one thing that medical research has consistently shown it is that the early detection of health risks and disease processes leads to more effective management and increased survival rates. This early detection and prevention of ill-health is the most critical strategy for avoiding a heart attack, stroke or advanced cancer diagnosis," he adds.
According to Kaplan, setting up a website which explains what Scan For Life does - and gives insight into the preventative options available, explains the procedures involved and provides an interactive facility to answer questions - effectively empowers individuals to take greater responsibility for decisions regarding their health, and ultimately, their longevity and quality of life.
Technology Concepts - a leading provider of practical, cost effective and proven Internet-based business solutions - designed and developed www.scanforlife.co.za to meet those requirements.
The website offers people a comprehensive yet digestible idea of what the Scan For Life services are, tells them how to prepare for a Scan, describes the technology that will be used, and provides examples of the full-colour, high-resolution 3-D images that are produced. In addition, there is detailed information about potential Dread Diseases in the different organs of the body as well as links to other useful websites.
The key to the success of the website, however, was that it would be easy to navigate so that interested individuals could quickly find the information and the answers they wanted.
"Our brief to Technology Concepts included that the site be easy to update. For example, we need to keep people informed about the new Scanning technologies that become available all the time in this rapidly developing field. And we have to regularly update our FAQ (frequently asked questions) section as we receive questions from prospective clients - because if one person asks a question there are probably dozens with a similar concern.
"What Technology Concepts has delivered is an easy-to-use and easy-to-understand introduction to Preventative Imaging and Medicine. Our challenge now is to ensure that the content we provide on the site contributes to empowering and educating the public about their health options," said Dr Kaplan.
Ultimately, the site is geared to assist Scan For Life to deliver peace of mind to individuals who might not even be aware that they could be at risk.
www.scanforlife.co.za is everything we hoped it would be," added Dr Kaplan.
Deidre Dawson, director at Technology Concepts says developing the site was an extremely rewarding experience. "It's not often one is privileged to play a role in a cutting edge field that can actually save lives. In this case, we are confident that someone somewhere will visit the site and as a result of this, receive life-saving treatment before it is too late."
