New Delhi, Around 67 per cent of cancer patients undergoing treatment in private hospitals and around 33 per cent undergoing treatment in government hospitals sought a second opinion to know if their treatment is on the right course and to check the availability of the latest treatments and medications, according to a survey. has found.
The survey was conducted by Cancer Mukt Bharat Foundation, a Delhi-based NGO, among 1,769 cancer patients across India who called its cancer helpline from March 1 to May 31 this year.
The highest number of calls came from Hyderabad, followed by Meerut, Mumbai and New Delhi.
Dr Ashish Gupta, a senior oncologist who heads the Mukt Bharat Cancer Campaign, said: "In the field of cancer care, new drugs are approved almost every week. So this is the main reason to get another opinion".
"Since the launch of National Cancer Helpline number 9355520202, it is proving to be a support system for cancer patients across India. We receive more than 50 calls every day from all states of India inquiring about the latest treatment methods for their respective cancer diagnoses," he said.
The campaign aims to reduce the incidence and impact of cancer on individuals and communities through education and early detection, Dr. Gupta said.
The helpline is operational from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Cancer patients can call this number to speak directly to leading oncologists or even make a video call to discuss cancer treatment without paying any fee.
The survey found that patients in both public and private hospitals were keen to seek a second opinion for their cancer treatment.
Dr. Gupta said that 67 per cent of the patients who called this helpline are treated in private hospitals, while 33 per cent were treated in government hospitals.
"The first step should be the best step" to beat cancer as the first step decides the success of any cancer treatment. Thanks to continued research, we now get new drugs almost every week that can treat cancer better, leading to better outcomes and a good quality of life for cancer patients.
"Therefore, a second opinion can ensure the use of the latest medications and treatment methods that typically differ from hospital to hospital," he said.
Cancer requires a comprehensive and precise approach to diagnosis and treatment. In recent years, there has been an increase in demand for second opinions in cancer care. This change is driven by advances in technology, increased awareness among patients and the presence of internationally trained cancer experts practicing in the country, Dr. Gupta explained.
The survey was conducted by Cancer Mukt Bharat Foundation, a Delhi-based NGO, among 1,769 cancer patients across India who called its cancer helpline from March 1 to May 31 this year.
The highest number of calls came from Hyderabad, followed by Meerut, Mumbai and New Delhi.
Dr Ashish Gupta, a senior oncologist who heads the Mukt Bharat Cancer Campaign, said: "In the field of cancer care, new drugs are approved almost every week. So this is the main reason to get another opinion".
"Since the launch of National Cancer Helpline number 9355520202, it is proving to be a support system for cancer patients across India. We receive more than 50 calls every day from all states of India inquiring about the latest treatment methods for their respective cancer diagnoses," he said.
The campaign aims to reduce the incidence and impact of cancer on individuals and communities through education and early detection, Dr. Gupta said.
The helpline is operational from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Cancer patients can call this number to speak directly to leading oncologists or even make a video call to discuss cancer treatment without paying any fee.
The survey found that patients in both public and private hospitals were keen to seek a second opinion for their cancer treatment.
Dr. Gupta said that 67 per cent of the patients who called this helpline are treated in private hospitals, while 33 per cent were treated in government hospitals.
"The first step should be the best step" to beat cancer as the first step decides the success of any cancer treatment. Thanks to continued research, we now get new drugs almost every week that can treat cancer better, leading to better outcomes and a good quality of life for cancer patients.
"Therefore, a second opinion can ensure the use of the latest medications and treatment methods that typically differ from hospital to hospital," he said.
Cancer requires a comprehensive and precise approach to diagnosis and treatment. In recent years, there has been an increase in demand for second opinions in cancer care. This change is driven by advances in technology, increased awareness among patients and the presence of internationally trained cancer experts practicing in the country, Dr. Gupta explained.
