Two Young Cancer Warriors in their early 20s successfully treated for Rare cancers

Cancer is often thought of as a disease that mostly affects older people. But now it has become a formidable adversary that knows no age limits. A study published in JAMA Network Open underscores the escalating concern of cancer among younger adults. Notably, cancer rates have been at an all-time high mainly for people under 50 years of age.

To raise awareness around this alarming trend and the importance of early diagnosis, Fortis Hospital Greater Noida organised a press briefing today, where doctors shared insights into the increasing incidence of cancer among youth and highlighted two rare, life-threatening cancer cases in young patients who were successfully treated at the hospital. On the occasion of World Cancer Day, the hospital building was illuminated in purple, the global colour symbolising cancer awareness.

During the briefing, Doctors emphasised that timely diagnosis and evidence-based treatment can dramatically improve outcomes, even in advanced-stage cancers, allowing young patients to return to healthy, productive lives.

Rahul, 20-year-old was presented at Fortis Greater Noida with persistent neck swelling, fever and vomiting. Detailed investigations, including imaging and excisional biopsy, confirmed stage 3 of Hodgkin Lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system). The patient had less than 30% survival chances at the time of admission. The patient was placed on a structured chemotherapy regimen under expert supervision. Follow-up PET-CT scans showed complete cure, indicating an excellent response to treatment. The patient continues to receive planned cycles of chemotherapy and is currently stable. Had he been not been diagnosed or treated on time, he would not have been able to survive for more than a year.

Sumit Kumar, 24-year-old reported persistent fever and abdominal discomfort. Upon admission at Fortis Greater Noida, tests conducted revealed significantly elevated blood counts. Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy confirmed Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (cancer of the bone marrow) and his chances of survival at the time of admission to the hospital was less than 30%. The patient was promptly started

on targeted oral therapy, following which his blood counts normalised, without the need for intensive in-patient intervention. His condition gradually improved and he was discharged in a stable condition. Had he been not treated on time, he would not have been able to survive for more than six months.

Dr Prabhat Ranjan, Consultant – Medical Oncology, Fortis Hospital Greater Noida, said, “In the past few years, there has been an upsurge in cancer cases among the youth. Blood cancers often present with vague symptoms such as fever, swelling, or fatigue, which are easy to ignore. These cases underline how early evaluation and evidence-based treatment can lead to excellent outcomes, even in advanced-stage disease. With modern chemotherapy and targeted therapies, many haematological cancers are now highly manageable. It is often seen that patients fear undergoing biopsy and chemotherapy and thus delay their diagnosis leading to delayed diagnosis in the advanced stages of the disease. We need to understand that the treatment modalities available to treat cancer will work best in the favour of patients if the diagnosis is done at the earlier stages. Hence, it is always advised to undergo regular screening and preventive health check-ups and not ignore the unusual symptoms.”

Dr Ambesh Singh, Senior Consultant – Surgical Oncology, Fortis Hospital Greater Noida said, “Cancer is no longer a disease confined to older age groups. We are increasingly seeing young patients presenting with advanced-stage cancers, often because early warning signs are ignored or misattributed to routine illnesses. These cases highlight the critical importance of early medical consultation, accurate diagnosis, and timely intervention. With advances in oncology, including minimally invasive surgical techniques and integrated treatment approaches, many cancers are now highly treatable when detected early. Awareness, vigilance, and proactive health check-ups can make a life-saving difference, especially among the youth.”

Emphasising the hospital’s commitment to advanced cancer care, Siddharth Nigam, Facility Director, Fortis Hospital Greater Noida, said, “At Fortis Greater Noida, we focus on delivering comprehensive oncology care supported by advanced diagnostics, multidisciplinary expertise, and patient-centric protocols. These successful outcomes reflect our commitment to providing timely, high-quality care and improving survival and quality of life for cancer patients.”