Jaipur, 3rd February, 2026: To create awareness on Cancer, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Jaipur today organized a Cancer Awareness Health Talk aimed at educating the community on early detection, prevention, and medical advances in cancer treatment. The session witnessed active participation from patients, caregivers and the general public, reinforcing the growing need for informed and timely cancer care.
The Interactive Programme focused on recognizing early warning signs, the role of regular screenings, lifestyle modifications, and the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach in cancer management. Leading oncologists from Fortis Escorts Hospital Jaipur addressed common myths around cancer and highlighted how early diagnosis significantly improves survival outcomes and quality of life. According to the available literature, Cancer epidemiology in Rajasthan highlights oral cavity, breast, cervix, lung, brain and prostate cancers as the most common types, with oral and lung cancers predominant among males due to high tobacco use. Breast and cervical cancers are leading concerns for women, often linked to late diagnosis and poor awareness, especially in rural areas.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Divesh Goyal, Senior Consultant - Medical Oncology, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Jaipur said, “Cancer cases are steadily increasing in Rajasthan, becoming a cause for concern among health experts. Rajasthan is facing an “alarming increase” in the cancer cases, with the lip, oral cavity and pharynx and the digestive organs accounting for the highest prevalence of the disease, Jaipur is the worst hit city in the State in terms of the number of cancer patients per one lakh population as per report International Classification of Diseases (ICD).”
Emphasizing the importance of surgical intervention, Dr Naresh Kumar Soni, Senior Consultant – Surgical Oncology, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Jaipur stated, “Nearly 60–70% of cancer cases in India require surgery at some point during treatment. Early-stage detection significantly increases the chances of curative surgery, reduces complications, and improves recovery. Community awareness plays a vital role in ensuring patients seek timely medical care.”
Highlighting concerns related to head and neck cancers, Dr Jitendra Kumar Sharma, Consultant – Onco Surgery (Head & Neck), Fortis Escorts Hospital, Jaipur added, “India accounts for almost one-third of the global burden of head and neck cancers, largely linked to tobacco and lifestyle habits. Unfortunately, many cases are diagnosed late due to lack of awareness. Symptoms such as persistent mouth ulcers, difficulty swallowing, or voice changes should never be ignored, as early evaluation can be life-saving. Head and neck cancers (HNC) represent a major health burden in Rajasthan, accounting for over 32% of all cancers in some studies, with a high incidence of oral cavity, oropharynx, and larynx malignancies, largely driven by tobacco use. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common HNC type.”
