Doctors from Fortis Jalandhar highlight how ‘screening and early detection’ can save lives at a Cancer Awareness Health Talk held at Press Club, Jalandhar

Doctors from Fortis Jalandhar highlight how ‘screening and early detection’ can save lives at a Cancer Awareness Health Talk held at Press Club, Jalandhar  

Jalandhar, 6th February 2026: Senior Cancer specialists from Fortis Hospital, Jalandhar, highlighted how early diagnosis significantly improves cancer survival outcomes and quality of life, at a Cancer Awareness Health Talk held in collaboration with Press Club of Jalandhar, today. The event, attended by over 50 media persons, aimed at educating the community about early detection, prevention, and medical advances in cancer treatment. The session witnessed active participation, reinforcing the growing need for informed and timely cancer care. 

The interactive programme focused on recognizing the early warning signs, the role of regular screenings, lifestyle modifications, and the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach towards cancer management. Studies underscore a growing incidence of cancers across Punjab, largely related to breast, cervical and ovarian among women along with oral and lung cancers, which are 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. 

The session was led by a distinguished panel of experts from Fortis Hospital Jalandhar: 

• Dr Arun Kumar Sharma, Consultant, Surgical Oncology, Fortis Hospital Jalandhar  
• Dr Navdeep Singh, Consultant, Medical Oncology, Fortis Hospital Jalandhar  
• Dr Rahul Chowdhary, Consultant, Radiation Oncology, Fortis Hospital Jalandhar  
• Dr Revanth Murahari, Consultant, Nuclear Medicine, Fortis Hospital Jalandhar   
• Dr Burhan Wani, Consultant, Medical Oncology, Fortis Hospital Jalandhar   
• Dr Maithili Sharma, Consultant, Radiation Oncology, Fortis Hospital Jalandhar    

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Arun Kumar Sharma, Consultant, Surgical Oncology, Fortis Hospital Jalandhar said, “Prevention and early diagnosis remain the most powerful tools in the fight against cancer. Many common cancers in Punjab, including breast, oral and cervical cancers, are highly curable when detected at an early stage. Simple measures such as avoiding tobacco, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and undergoing age-appropriate screenings can significantly reduce cancer risk and improve survival outcomes. Unfortunately, lack of awareness and delayed consultation continue to cost precious lives.”  

Dr Navdeep Singh, Consultant, Medical Oncology, and Dr Burhan Wani, Consultant, Medical Oncology, Fortis Hospital Jalandhar said, “Cancer treatment has entered the era of precision oncology, where therapies are increasingly tailored to the biology of an individual patient’s cancer. Advances in medical oncology, including targeted therapies and immunotherapy, are allowing us to improve outcomes while minimizing side effects. The key is timely diagnosis and molecular profiling, which help us select the most effective treatment for each patient rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.” 

Dr Rahul Chowdhary, Consultant, Radiation Oncology and Dr Maithili Sharma, Consultant, Radiation Oncology, Fortis Hospital Jalandhar said, “Radiation oncology has witnessed significant technological advancements, enabling us to deliver highly precise and conformal radiation while sparing surrounding healthy tissues. Modern techniques have not only improved cure rates but have also enhanced patients’ quality of life by reducing treatment-related complications. When integrated within a multidisciplinary approach, advanced radiation therapy plays a critical role in both curative and palliative cancer care.” 

Dr Revanth Murahari, Consultant, Nuclear Medicine, Fortis Hospital Jalandhar said, “PET-CT has transformed cancer diagnosis and staging by providing detailed information about the metabolic activity of tumors. It helps in detecting cancer at an early stage, accurately assessing disease spread, and evaluating treatment response. This precise imaging allows clinicians to plan more effective, personalized treatment strategies and avoid unnecessary or ineffective therapies.” 

Dr Ankush Mehta, Facility Director, Fortis Hospital Jalandhar said, “Cancer awareness is not just about sharing information, it is about empowering people to act early. In a city like Punjab, where oral, breast and cervical cancers remain highly prevalent, timely screening, lifestyle changes and early medical intervention can save countless lives. Through collaborations like this with the Press Club of Jalandhar, we aim to strengthen awareness, dispel myths, and ensure that the right health messages reach the community at the right time.”