Targeted treatments and immunotherapy ensure better survival rates and lesser side-effects for cancer patients: Dr Divesh Goyal

Jaipur, February 15 2022: We all know that Cancer is a deadly disease, and according to WHO, it is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020. While the awareness related to the disease is comparatively higher in the overall population of the country, we should also be aware of the kind of cancers, most prevalent among the male population in Jaipur.  Senior Oncologist at Fortis Escorts Hospital Jaipur, shares insights on cures, diagnosis and treatment of the most common kinds of cancer in males.

Dr Divesh Goyal, Senior Consultant, Adult and Paediatric Medical Oncologist, Hemato Oncologist, states, "Oral cancer and lung cancer are the most common types of cancers usually seen among the male patients. The primary causes are smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol. The patients that are non-smokers mostly get affected due to factors such as pollution, environmental changes, exposure to radiation and passive smoking."

He further adds, "Around 20-25 per cent of the cases are of head and neck, while approximately 25 per cent of cases reported are of lung cancers, 15 per cent of the intestine and stomach cancers. When the mouth ulcers are not healing, or if there is any growth in gums and tongue one must get alerted and visit a doctor. With a further diagnosis, cancer can be confirmed by the biopsy of the affected lesion. In case of lung cancer, whenever there are signs such as cough, breathlessness, Hemoptysis and chest pain one must immediately see a doctor. After an X-Ray and CT-Scan, a biopsy is suggested for further confirmation of the type of cancer. The correct treatment is suggested after all the tests and diagnosis according to the stage of cancer.”

"When we talk about oral and lung cancer, with surgery, radiation treatment and chemotherapy, it can be treated up to stage three. On the other hand, chemotherapy is done for patients in stage four. Nowadays, with targeted treatment and immunotherapy, treatment is possible with a better survival rate and lesser side-effects," adds Dr Goyal.

About Fortis Healthcare Limited

Fortis Healthcare Limited – an IHH Healthcare Berhad Company – is a leading integrated healthcare services provider in India. It is one of the largest healthcare organizations in the country with 27 healthcare facilities (including projects under development), 4100 operational beds and over 419 diagnostics centres (including JVs). Fortis is present in India, United Arab Emirates (UAE) & Sri Lanka. The Company is listed on the BSE Ltd and National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India. It draws strength from its partnership with global major and parent company, IHH, to build upon its culture of world-class patient care and superlative clinical excellence. Fortis employs 23,000 people (including SRL) who share its vision of becoming the world’s most trusted healthcare network. Fortis offers a full spectrum of integrated healthcare services ranging from clinics to quaternary care facilities and a wide range of ancillary services.