Fortis Hospital, Greater Noida, elevates Cancer Care with the Launch of Comprehensive Oncology Services

-    Regular screening, early diagnosis, and HPV vaccinations play a crucial role in cancer prevention.

-    PAP screening every three years should be part of a new year resolution 
 
Greater Noida: Cervical cancer is the fourth-most common cancer that occurs in women worldwide. As per global estimates, around 453 million Indian women aged 15 years and older are at risk of developing the cancer, said Dr. Jalaj Baxi, senior consultant, during the launch of the oncology department at Fortis Hospital Greater Noida on Wednesday.

Cervical cancer is associated with sexual behaviours such as poor genital hygiene, early marriage, multiple sexual partners, and repeated pregnancies.
Although the burden of cervical cancer is increasing largely in the country, deaths can be prevented if it is screened in the early stages.
Dr. Sarika Bansal, Consultant, Medical Oncology at Fortis Hospital Greater Noida, said, “For a successful treatment, it is important for young women to stay cautious of any visible symptoms for early screening and any treatment required. If a girl as young as nine years of age is experiencing any vaginal discharge that is smelly, yellowish green in colour, or blood stained, she must consult a gynaecologist immediately. If someone has spotting between their regular periods or has bleeding post-intercourse, they must see a doctor. All these are signs of vaginal infections, which, if left untreated, can progress to cancer.”
The doctors added that lifestyle issues like smoking, consumption of alcohol, and prolonged use of oral contraceptives are among the contributing factors in cervical cancer among women.
As India progresses on its way to universalize a national screening programme on cervical cancer, it will be crucial to know the areas vulnerable to poor screening and other contributing factors.
The doctors also said that the HPV vaccine has shown positive results in preventing cervical cancer.  Females who are at least nine years of age and not more than 45 years old must get HPV vaccine shots as a prevention measure.
A PAP every three years is an added protection against cervical cancer. The doctors at the hospital said that cervix cancer, ovarian cancer, and gallbladder cancer are the most common in Uttar Pradesh. Among males, prostate cancer is also being diagnosed.

“A common screening test for cervical cancer is the pap smear, in which cervical cells from the patient are collected to check for changes that may turn into cervical cancer if left untreated," said Dr. Abhishek Srivastava, Associate Consultant, Medical Oncology at Fortis Hospital Greater Noida.
Mr. Pramit Mishra, Facility Director, Fortis Hospital Greater Noida, said, “While screening leads to early diagnosis is the most crucial part in the treatment of any cancer, the oncology department at Fortis Hospital Greater Noida provides holistic care The specialty doctors at the hospital bring years of experience in screening the most complex oncology cases from across the country.”