Prevent CancerTogether: Discussing Cancer in Public Policy | Globally, cancer represents a major public health concern, with India mirroring these challenges. Comparing India's cancer landscape with global trends offers insights into unique challenges and potential solutions. Cancer is the leading cause of premature mortality globally according to a Lancet Global Health Study from November 2023.  In addition to being a public health tragedy, the Lancet Study estimated that productivity losses linked to premature cancer deaths were 0.62% of the national GDP in Europe and 0.33% of the combined GDP of the BRICS countries.  The silver lining, however, lies in a World Health Organisation (WHO) report which establishes that early detection and treatment can cure many cancers.  While cancer is a call to rethink how we organise our lives, it should not be thought of as a death sentence. A comprehensive approach encompassing awareness, prevention, and robust healthcare infrastructure is imperative for effective cancer control in India. 

Welcome Remarks: 

Shoba Suri, Senior Fellow, ORF

Chair’s Address: 

Sidharth Sahni, Senior Consultant – Surgical Oncology, Fortis Healthcare

Interventions by Experts:

Suman Karanth, Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology, Fortis Memorial Research Center
Dinesh Singh, Medical Director at Valentis Cyberknife Centre, and Chairman of Radiation Oncology at Andromeda Cancer Hospital
G. K. Rath, Former Head of the National Cancer Institute, India & Former Professor & Head at Dept of Radiation Oncology, AIIMS
Peter Harper, Leading Consultant Medical Oncologist and Past Chairman IAC of ASCO, Board Member, IASLC, Board Member, IGCS

Closing Remarks:

Sidharth Sahni, Senior Consultant – Surgical Oncology, Fortis Healthcare