Marengo Asia Hospitals in Faridabad recently witnessed a remarkable success story as their team of doctors, led by Dr. Sunny Jain, HOD of the Oncology Department, effectively treated Neerja Chuttani, a 57-year-old woman diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer. This achievement highlights the message that cancer, even in its advanced stages, is not necessarily incurable.
Neerja Chuttani initially presented with severe stomach pain and vomiting, leading to the diagnosis of stage 4 ovarian cancer accompanied by fluid accumulation in her abdomen. The treatment protocol included four rounds of chemotherapy and targeted therapy, followed by an assessment via Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan which showed no signs of disease. Subsequently, Neerja underwent an Onco surgery to remove the cancerous tissue, followed by two additional rounds of chemotherapy. Today, she enjoys a disease-free life, thanks to the comprehensive treatment provided by Marengo Asia Hospitals.
Dr. Sunny Jain emphasized the challenges posed by treating cancer in its advanced stages, highlighting Neerja’s symptoms and the necessity to stabilize her condition before commencing treatment. He also underscored the importance of early detection, stressing the significance of awareness about ovarian cancer symptoms such as abdominal fluid buildup, stomach pain, weight loss, and loss of appetite. Furthermore, Dr. Jain emphasized the risk factors associated with ovarian cancer, including family history, obesity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. He recommended regular checkups for women with a family history of ovarian cancer, starting from age 35, and for those without a family history, from age 40. Lifestyle modifications such as maintaining a healthy weight through exercise and balanced diet, along with avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, were also highlighted as preventive measures against ovarian cancer.
In India, ovarian cancer remains a significant health concern, with a projected increase in incidence rates over the years. It ranks as the third most common and lethal cancer among women in the country. As such, awareness, early detection, and timely intervention are crucial in combating this disease and improving outcomes for patients like Neerja Chuttani.