For patients facing the fear and uncertainty that come with rare cancers, getting the right diagnosis and care can feel overwhelming. At Apollo Hospitals’ RareCare Clinic in Navi Mumbai, there’s now a place where hope and help are within reach. This clinic is dedicated to offering compassionate, specialized care to those dealing with rare and challenging cancers, which are often misdiagnosed or mistreated, leading to poor outcomes.
Though each rare cancer is uncommon, with about 6 cases in every 100,000 people, together they make up about 20% of all cancer cases. There are over 200 types of rare cancers, leaving many patients feeling alone and unsure because there’s limited information available on how to diagnose and treat them. Rare cancers include types like bone and soft tissue sarcomas (Desmoid tumors), skin cancer, pregnancy-related cancers, cancers in sexual minority populations (LGBTQ+ cancers), neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), hereditary and familial cancers, and cancers in adolescents or young adults.
Additionally, some RareCancer Care Patients came forth to share their stories of strength and resilience, not to mention the challenging situations in oncology, such as treating elderly patients with other health issues, those with weakened immune systems, patients on multiple medications, and unusual forms of more common cancers like breast, gynecological, lung, gastrointestinal, and head and neck cancers.
Divya Mathur, who has been under active treatment for last stage ovarian cancer for the past 14 years has been an inspiration to everyone around her. Her journey wasn’t easy, with over 12+ relapses, 2 major surgeries, 100+ chemotherapies, 50+ hormonal therapies, but her determination to fight and live life to the fullest has made her a beacon of hope for others battling similar challenges. Divya’s story reminds us that with the right care and support, even the most daunting diagnoses can be overcome.
Namrat Koli’s story is equally powerful. She was diagnosed with Breast Cancer Stage 3 at a young age of 33 and the cancer was aggressive, especially as she had an infant son to tend. The news was devastating, yet Namrat faced it with incredible courage, balancing the demands of motherhood while undergoing treatment. Her strength, both as a mother and a fighter, is a testament to the resilience that defines so many of our patients.
These stories, along with those of many others who continue to fight rare cancers, serve as a source of inspiration for everyone at Apollo Hospitals. They remind us why compassionate, specialized care is so essential, and they encourage us to continue supporting our patients every step of the way.
Dr. Jyoti Bajpai, Lead – Medical & Precision Oncology, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai said, “Detecting rare cancers early is vital because their symptoms often resemble those of more common conditions. My experience as an active member of global cancer associations, including the Society of Immunotherapy in Cancers (SITC), Faculty for Immuno-Oncology at the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO), and my recent roles in Sarcomas and Women for Oncology (W4O)-ESMO, has equipped me with the expertise to accurately diagnose and treat rare cancers. We don’t just focus on treating the disease; but also recognizes the profound emotional toll that a rare cancer diagnosis can have on patients and their families. From pain management to nutritional counseling, from psychosocial support to survivorship programs, we are here to offer a network of care that surrounds our patients with strength, understanding, and hope.”
The symptoms of rare cancers can be elusive. Rare cancers appear as persistent issues such as a lingering cough, shortness of breath, changes in moles or skin lesions, unexplained pain, new seizures or headaches, swollen lymph nodes, frequent fevers, persistent fatigue, or unexplained weight loss.
Dr. Anil D’Cruz, Director Oncology and Senior Consultant Head & Neck Oncology, Apollo Hospitals, said “The global incidence of cancer is increasing exponentially over the years from 12 million in 2012 to 18 million in 2018 & 19.3 million in 2020. Cancer registries in India are showing a similar trend. Apollo Cancer Centres are giving a thrust to cancer care by initiating evidence based, organ site speciality services, tumour boards backed by excellent infrastructure & clinicians of national & international standing to ensure the best outcomes for patients who come to us. The RareCare Clinic is a testament to our dedication ensuring that even the most unique and challenging cancer cases receive personalized, multidisciplinary care. We aim to transform the cancer care experience for patients and their families”
Mr. Arunesh Punetha, Regional CEO – Western Region, Apollo Hospitals said, “We recognize the profound challenges that individuals with rare cancers face—the fear, the uncertainty, and often the sense of isolation. That’s why we’ve established this dedicated RareCare Clinic, where they will find not only the specialized expertise and advanced treatments, they need but also a compassionate team that walks alongside them every step of the way. It marks a significant step forward in the fight against rare cancers in India and reflects Apollo Hospitals’ unwavering dedication to delivering world-class cancer care, with humanity and empathy at its core.”
