First Indian Cancer Congress to discuss about cost of cancer treatment & cheaper options

A large number of leading healthcare practitioners, the industry and the policy makers will discuss the cost of cancer treatment and affordable alternatives at the Indian Cancer Congress (ICC), the first ever such event being held jointly by different associations related to oncology in New Delhi from November 21 to 24. Announcing the details of the conference, congress president Prof G K Rath said India witnesses 11 lakh new cancer cases every year and there are 33 lakh patients at any given time in the country. “However, 70 per cent of the cancer cases are preventable, if the treatment is sought early,” he told a press conference here on Tuesday. One of the key issues to be deliberated during the conference will be the cost of treatment, need of innovations and cheaper options. The policy makers and industry, apart from the top level healthcare professionals join this effort to make cancer treatment more affordable, organizing secretary Dr Hari K Chaturvedi said. Association of Radio Oncologists of India (AROI), the Indian Association of Surgical Oncology (ASO), the Indian Society of Medical and Pediatric Oncology (ISMPO) and the Indian Society of Oncology (ISO) have come together to float the idea of a joint cancer congress, first time in the country. The congress enjoys the support of 25 professional bodies, 100 cancer institutions and seven leading international associations involved in the cancer care. With a confirmed faculty of over 250 global thought leaders, ICC has already received 3000 delegates registration so far and the expected number of delegates is 5000, the organisers said. “Each year, 600,000 of cancer patients die. India bears a disproportionate amount of cancer cases and possesses 50 per cent of the world’s oral cancer cases,” Dr Rath said. The pioneering conference will promote and showcase all types of cancer research in India. Highlights of the programme include breast oncology, surgical management of sarcomas, hematology, head and neck oncology, pediatric oncology, palliative care, preventive oncology, imaging and radiology among other things. Source:Pharmabiz