Nearly One in Three Head and Neck Cancer Cases Worldwide Occur in India Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh Hosts Patient Support Meet on World Head and Neck Cancer Day

Nearly One in Three Head & Neck Cancer Cases Worldwide Occur in India: Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh Hosts Patient Support Meet on World Head and Neck Cancer Day
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India Emerges as the Epicentre of Head and Neck Cancer Cases accounting for nearly one-third of global cases; Fortis Shalimar Bagh Hosts Patient Support Group Meet on World Head and Neck Cancer Day

New Delhi, July 28, 2026: Marking World Head and Neck Cancer Day, Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh 
organised a comprehensive Head & Neck Cancer Patient Support Group Meet, bringing together 100+ 
patients, cancer survivors, caregivers and healthcare experts to spread awareness about prevention, 
early diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation.The event served as a powerful reminder that while head 
and neck cancers are among the most preventable cancers, they can affect anyone, making awareness 
and timely medical attention critical.

Head and neck cancers continue to pose a major public health challenge across the world. Over 9 lakh
new cases are diagnosed globally every year, with India contributing almost one-third of the world's 
burden, accounting for nearly 2.8 lakh new cases annually. While tobacco use and alcohol consumption 
remain the leading risk factors, experts emphasised that head and neck cancer is not limited to smokers 
or people who chew tobacco. Poor oral hygiene, persistent irritation caused by sharp or broken teeth, 
repeated injury to the inner cheek due to cheek biting, ill-fitting dentures, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) 
infection, prolonged sun exposure (especially for lip cancers), unhealthy dietary habits and weakened 
immunity can also increase the risk. Therefore, every individual should remain vigilant and seek medical 
evaluation if symptoms such as a mouth ulcer that does not heal for more than two weeks, persistent 
change of voice, difficulty in swallowing, unexplained bleeding from the mouth, white or red patches 
inside the mouth, or a lump in the neck persist.

Experts highlighted that a significant proportion of head and neck cancers are preventable and when 
diagnosed in the early stages, cure rates can exceed 80–90%, depending on the site and stage of the 
disease. Unfortunately, delayed diagnosis continues to be one of the biggest challenges in India, often 
resulting in more extensive treatment and greater impact on speech, swallowing, appearance and quality of life. The patient support group meet featured informative sessions by specialists from Radiation 
Oncology, Medical Oncology, Surgical Oncology and Dental Sciences, who spoke about risk factors, early warning signs, advances in treatment and the importance of multidisciplinary cancer care. 

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Vineeta Goel, Senior Director & HOD – Radiation Oncology, Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, said, "One of the biggest misconceptions is that only smokers or people who chew tobacco develop head and neck cancer. While tobacco and alcohol are major risk factors, they are not the only causes. Poor oral hygiene, persistent irritation from sharp teeth or ill-fitting dentures, repeated cheek biting, HPV infection and several other factors can also contribute. That is why every individual should be aware of the warning signs and never ignore symptoms that persist for more than two weeks. Early diagnosis not only improves the chances of cure but also helps preserve vital functions such as speech, swallowing and appearance."

She further added, "The good news is that many head and neck cancers are preventable and, when 
detected early, are highly curable. However, many patients in India still reach hospitals at advanced stages because of delayed diagnosis. Treatment is only one part of the journey. Patients often face challenges related to eating, speaking, oral care, emotional well-being and returning to their normal lives. A 
multidisciplinary approach involving oncologists, surgeons, dentists, nutritionists, speech therapists, 
psychologists and rehabilitation experts is essential for holistic recovery.”

Mr Naveen Sharma, Vice President and Facility Director, Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, said, “The fight 
against head and neck cancer begins with awareness. Despite being one of the most preventable cancers, many people continue to ignore its early warning signs, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Through this patient support group meet, we wanted to create a platform where patients and caregivers could not only gain the right information but also draw inspiration from those who have successfully overcome the disease. Seeing survivors share their journeys reinforces the message that timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment and a positive mindset can make a significant difference. At Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, we remain committed to promoting cancer awareness, encouraging early screening and supporting patients at every stage of their journey, from diagnosis to recovery and beyond.

"The event concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session where participants and caregivers openly discussed their concerns with specialists, reinforcing the importance of continuous follow-up, rehabilitation and community support in improving long-term outcomes and quality of life for head and neck cancer survivors.