The annual Chhattisgarh Cancer Conclave at Balco Medical Centre (BMC), Nava Raipur, featured live demonstrations of complex head and neck cancer surgeries. The three-day event brought together leading oncologists from India and abroad to enhance surgical expertise and knowledge exchange in Central India.
The workshop was led by eminent specialists Dr Anil D'Cruz, Director of Oncology, Apollo Hospitals (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai), and Dr Gauri Pantvaidya, Professor and Head, Department of Head and Neck Oncosurgery, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai. Cancer surgeons from across the country contributed by sharing perspectives on critical surgical decisions.
Highlighting the growing cancer burden, Dr Anil D'Cruz noted:
“Cancer incidence, especially thyroid cancer, has tripled over the past three decades. This is primarily a surgically curable cancer, and with proper treatment, 99 per cent of patients can recover completely. However, if this surgery is not performed by trained surgeons, it can have serious adverse effects on patients’ voice, calcium balance, parathyroid function, and long-term management. So, surgeons should have experience performing at least 50–60 such surgeries each year.”
He further added that the BMC Conclave offered young surgeons a unique opportunity to learn and practice advanced techniques.
The event was inaugurated by Chhattisgarh Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, who praised the conclave as an important step in aligning global expertise with regional healthcare needs.
Dr Bhavana Sirohi, Medical Director of BMC, stressed the importance of equitable cancer care:
“Patients in this region should receive the same quality treatment as those in metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or Chennai. Through various initiatives and collaborations, we are training young local surgeons.”
More than 150 surgeons and physicians from India and seven other countries participated, engaging in live surgical sessions and discussions on evolving treatment methods.