1st Cancer Summit Awards 2020 - Healthcare Advocacy in India | Health Advocates

Overview

Globally, cancer is the second leading cause of death, accounting for approximately 70 percent of mortalities in low- and middle-income countries. In 2018, 17 million new cases of cancer were newly diagnosed, and an estimated 9.6 million people died due to cancer. An estimated 27.5 million new cases of cancer are projected to emerge each year by 2040.

Cancer has transitioned from being the big unmentionable in medical care and personal illnesses to being the frontier of advances in biomedical sciences, and a diagnosis of cancer does not mean abandonment of hope for all who receive it.

This transformation has been enabled by advancements in knowledge and understanding of the disease, as well as through a collective resolve amongst stakeholders to address the global threat posed. Today, advances in molecular and gene-level approaches have enabled improvement in chances of cures and longevity of life, thereby bettering prognosis. A strengthened resolve amongst the policymakers through revamped resource allocation, cross-cutting collaborations, and strengthened health systems has greatly supported this transition.

However, the flip side of this journey is the still burgeoning incidence of cancer, not only in India but globally. Despite all the successes achieved, globally, about 1 in 6 deaths are attributed to cancer. Some cancers are preventable—we need far greater resolve amongst the stakeholders to address these preventable causes, from tobacco and harmful industrial chemicals to vaccinating against infectious causes like the human papilloma virus (HPV) and the hepatitis B virus.

Most cancers are treatable, with survival quality of life near to or at normal. Key to this outcome is heightened awareness of and early detection of cancer. Once detected, the therapeutic triad of medicines, radiation, and surgery has become far more sophisticated, substantially minimizing the unintended effects such as disfigurement and loss of function, to name a few. India carries a growing proportion of the global burden of cancer, and while a systematic policy response is already in the process of being rolled out, all stakeholders need to come together to ensure that cancer does not become a major drain on individual and national productivity and resources.

The Integrated Health & Wellbeing Council (IHWC), a not-for-profit organization dedicated towards creating a positive synergy among people regarding health & wellbeing, is organizing a one-day Cancer Summit on Tuesday, 4th February 2020, at the Hyatt Regency, New Delhi, inviting ministries, government bodies, health departments & institutes, hospitals, experts, and technology, equipment, services & solutions providers directly & indirectly involved in cancer risk, diagnosis, survival, treatment & medication. The summit will be a meaningful networking platform for the key stakeholders, experts, and thought leaders from various sectors of radiation oncology, medical oncology, and the healthcare ecosystem to discuss the current situation, challenges, and advancements relating to the standard comprehensive cancer treatment.

Key Discussion Points

Agenda 2020

Session - I : India’s Fight Against Cancer: Current Realities & Vision

The rising number of cancer cases in India is a cause of concern. With nearly 1.5 million new cases, cancer has emerged as a major health challenge. This number is predicted to nearly double over the next two decades. Distinguished Government representative from health Ministry & department and dignitaries from global cancer organization along with key players in the Cancer prevention care would highlight the current realties and vision to fight cancer in India.

Session - II : The Government’s Perspective on addressing Cancer

Approximately, it has been five decades since India launched the National Cancer Control Programme. Since then, the Government of India has strengthened its resolve to address cancer, reflected through revamped resource allocation, cross-cutting collaborations, and strengthened health systems. However, the statistics show that the magnitude of the problem is still a major concern. The session would attempt to highlight the hitherto achieved successes, growing challenges and newer solutions with actionable plan to address the burgeoning disease

Session - III : Upgrading the Healthcare Ecosystem for early diagnosis and initiation of clinical care

Insights on:

Diagnose early
Treat Locally
Manage effectively

Session - IV : Accessing State of the art therapeutics at Affordable prices

Understanding the existing infrastructure and potential challenges that needs to be overcome to ensure patients receive best outcomes. To discuss the policy shift towards patient- oriented care and comprehensive chronic disease management that has led the providers to deliver high quality clinical management at affordable prices

Session - V : India and the Global Cancer Movement – Focus on Women