Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh, Delhi has added a dedicated cancer care wing to its current array of specialties. The institute brings together experienced cancer care specialists backed with the latest technology under one roof.

It aims to reduce the impact of cancer burden in the state by allowing for early screening and detection, thereby reducing late - stage diagnosis and mortality.

Fortis Cancer Institute, Shalimar Bagh has a comprehensive cancer care program that follows a trans-disciplinary and multi-modality approach in the field of Oncology/Cancer. It offers Medical, surgical and radiation oncology services along with bone marrow transplant treatment. The Nuclear Medicine and Interventional Radiology for Diagnostic and Therapeutics services provides multidisciplinary approach in cancer management. 

The center is equipped with cutting-edge Radiation Therapy technology (VERSA HD) with world-class Monaco Treatment Planning System capable of delivering therapies such as SRS, SBRT and SRT VMAT. Along with these, other radiation therapies such as 3D CRT, IMRT, IGRT are also available. In addition, the institute is equipped with Discovery GE HD PET-CT, which provides crucial information regarding the stage of cancer and planning of radiotherapy.

Medical Oncology, Chemotherapy Day Care, Head & Neck, Breast & Thoracic Oncology, Brain and spine Tumour Surgery, Endoscopic & Laparoscopic GI Cancer Surgery, Genito Urinary Onco Surgery, Haemato Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant, Gynae Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Nuclear Medicine - PET CT Scan and Interventional & Therapeutics Radio diagnosis are some of the services provided in the institute.

Dr. Surender Dabas, Director, Surgical Oncologist said, “Head and neck cancers are a significant problem in our country constituting approximately one-third of all cancer cases in contrast to 4–5% in the developed world. In India, majority of cancers present as locally advanced Stage III/IV disease. While most efforts usually focus on therapy and outcomes, the need for early detection cannot be overlooked. The high incidence of head and neck cancer in India is a consequence of widespread use of tobacco.”

Dr. Sunil Kumar Gupta, Director, Medical Oncology said, “Cancer occurs whenever a fault or a mutation happens in a gene. The improved understanding of various genes responsible for causing certain cancers has triggered the discovery and development of targeted therapies. The various translational and targeted approaches for cancer management are being explored in the form of monoclonal antibodies, EGFR inhibitors, anti-angiogenesis, proteasome inhibitors, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, farnesyl transferase inhibitors, gene therapy and immunotherapy etc. The improved understanding of cancer genetics is also helping in predicting the response of therapies in certain cancer types.”

Dr. Pradeep Jain, Director, GI Oncology said, “Gastrointestinal cancers are on the rise in India. They are deep seated and advanced in stage by the time they develop symptoms. To catch them early we have to be vigilant for symptoms and get investigated by the specialists at the earliest. They are curable and we provide you the opportunity. In Fortis hospital we treat these cancers by adopting a minimally invasive technique which has a high cure rate, early recovery and good quality of life.”

Mahipal Singh Bhanot, Facility Director said, “At Fortis we offer holistic care be it diagnostics, interventional or surgical procedures. The Fortis Cancer Institute offers a complete array of medical oncology, surgical oncology and radiation oncology services. The aim behind opening the institute is to offer the patients a platform for early diagnosis and treatment. The institute has experienced cancer experts with latest technology and offers complete range of cancer treatments.”

Cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is estimated that every year 14.1 million people are diagnosed with cancer translating to 8.2 million deaths. 57% (8 million) of new cancer cases, 65% (5.3 million) of the cancer deaths and 48% (15.6 million) of the 5-year prevalent cancer cases occurred in the less developed regions. India had 1.01 million new cancer cases and 0.68 million cancer deaths in the year 2012. The number of new cases is expected to rise by about 70% over the next 2 decades and it is the second leading cause of death globally. Globally, nearly 1 in 6 deaths is due to cancer. Around one third of deaths from cancer are due to the 5 leading behavioral and dietary risks: high body mass index, low fruit and vegetable intake, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, and alcohol use.