Providing affordable cancer care is a major challenge in India, said Dr V Shanta, well-known oncologist and executive chairperson of the Adyar Cancer Institute.
The last six decades have seen phenomenal advances in cancer care. Genetic research, immunotherapy and nanotechnology offer much hope to patients. ''However, the only credible yardsticks in cancer care are the number of survivors, quality of life, accessibility and affordability in the Indian context. The exorbitant cost of treatments is something we have to focus on today,'' said Shanta, a recipient of Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan and the Ramon Magsaysay award.
Speaking at the inaugural function of MVR CANCON, an international conference on oncology held at MVR Cancer Institute and Research Centre (MVRCCRI), Choolur in Kozhikode, Dr Shanta said science must be relevant to the society in which we live.
Dr Narayanan Kutty Warrier, medical director of MVRCCRI, remembered how his training under Shanta made him a more humane physician. ''She used to tell us a patient with curable malignancies should never be denied treatment for lack of money. Treating such patients is our responsibility. We as a team strive to fulfil this dream of equitable oncology care for all patients. At MVRCCRI, we offer 50% concessions for lab and radiology investigations,'' said Warrier.
The three-day conference focusing on the theme 'metastasis' will have scientific sessions on topics ranging from the changing landscape of metastatic cancers to colorectal, gastric and ovarian cancers to new treatment modalities. Highlights of the conference include panel discussions, workshops on liver and brain metastasis and on physiotherapy for cancer patients, a cancer NGO meet and the MVR annual quiz competition.
State Health Minister K.K Shailaja, will inaugurate the valedictory function to be held on September 1.
Around 650 experts from India and countries like from UK, Japan, Kuwait, Oman and UAE are attending the meet.
