National Cancer Survivor Day

Jaipur, 04 June 2022:  A cancer patient goes through a lot of physical and mental turmoil and once recovered, they become an inspiration for many, as it helps others to face the battle in a much better way. In order to recognize and celebrate those who have battled cancer and won, and to help bring hope to those still battling this disease, National Cancer Survivors Day is celebrated every year on the first Sunday on June. This National Cancer Survivors Day, Dr. Divesh Goyal, Senior Consultant, Adult and Paediatric Medical Oncologist, Hemato Oncologist, Fortis Escorts Hospital Jaipur, discuss the journey of  two cancer patients whose lives were saved because of timely diagnosis and treatment and are now leading a healthy life.

Talking about a 15-year-old boy from Alwar, Dr Goyal shared how he fought blood cancer. When the patient was referred to Fortis Jaipur, he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) also known as blood cancer. About 1 in every 1000 people suffer from this disease in their lifetime. He underwent treatment for the same for two years which required consistent high dose of chemotherapy. Considering he was young, he was not mentally able to cope with it, but his family provided him with the right kind of guidance and support which helped him recover fast. He is now completely cancer-free from the past three years.

Talking about another case, Dr. Goyal shared the journey of a newly married woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer, soon after her marriage which also impacted her mental health as well. The  patient was able to beat  cancer as she was diagnosed timely and  at an early stage, which allowed the doctors to perform a timely surgery which helped in saving life of the patient. The patient is currently undergoing hormonal therapy and will soon recover. Her case is a not only a great example of timely detection but awareness among the communities to identify early signs of breast cancer.

Speaking about both the cases, Dr Goyal said, “While early diagnosis and treatment are really important factors to treat cancer, we have achieved cure for the same to a great extent. In the first case, it was important for the young boy to get the right kind of support from his family and friends. On the other hand, talking about breast cancer, it is important that women are educated and aware of the early signs and symptoms. For all cancer patients, a healthy lifestyle is really necessary post-recovery, apart from regular screenings and health checkups. Emotional support, reassurance, and a positive attitude are really important factors along with the timely treatment for cancer patients. We, as health workers, make sure to give them this support when they need it, as this support helps the patient to win over cancer.”

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.