Fortis Hospitals has launched a cancer institute at its Mulund facility in Mumbai bringing in comprehensive cancer care with an integrated approach under one roof. This is the second cancer institute launched by Fortis, the first one being launched in Noida near Delhi in July this year. Fortis plans to set up two more cancer institutes in the coming months - one in Kolkata by mid-September and the other in Delhi by mid-October.

Fortis cancer institute is the country's first hospital to acquire the most sophisticated radiation therapy equipment Elekta Syunergy LINEAC with volumetric modulated ARC therapy (VMAT) which can treat tumours and a small lesions in the brain and other parts of the body quickly with precision.

VMAT technology helps target the treatment area more accurately and reduces treatment time by 35 to 40 per cent. This combines with sophisticated oncentra treatment planning system which reduces the treatment planning substantially hence giving a faster turnaround time to patient and benefiting the patient in quick and customised treatment.

The 150-bed cancer institute, which is already catering to 10 to 15 patients, has started its operation for surgical and medical oncology over a month ago and with today's launch it has started with radiation oncology as well. Along with launch of the Fortis cancer institute, the hospital also announced the Fortis Lisa Ray award for conquering cancer.

Malvinder Singh, group chairman, Fortis Healthcare Group informed that this award will be given annually to one woman who has successfully combated and survived cancer.

Cancer is an emerging and a major public health issue in our country and has a varied geographical pattern. In Mumbai, there is high incidence of lung and bronchus in males, whereas in Delhi there are incidences of gall bladder. The most common cancers found in males are cancer of lung, pharynx, oesophagus, tongue and stomach while among the females cancers of cervix, breast, ovary, oesophagus, and mouth are common. However, the breast cancer has overtaken the cervix in the urban population. One of the major reasons for the high incidence of oral cancer is the continued use of tobacco.