Cancer, a profoundly intricate and devastating disease, continues to present a formidable global health challenge, impacting millions and causing substantial physical, emotional, and financial burdens. At the 6th Amrita International Public Health Conference (AIPHC) held at Amrita Hospital, Kochi, medical experts globally underscored the critical role of public health strategies and early detection in mitigating the impact of cancer.

Dr. Aswathy S., Professor & HOD, Dept. of Community Medicine, Amrita Hospital, Kochi, and Chairperson of AIPHC2023, highlighted the conference's focus on adopting a multi-faceted approach in public health strategies for effective cancer control. This approach includes the establishment of comprehensive cancer registries, geospatial mapping, exploration of early diagnostic tools, and the creation of robust support systems for both patients and caregiveThe overarching message emphasised the need for a holistic strategy that recognises the complexity of cancer control, addressing everything from prevention to supportive care. Notably, early diagnosis in proximity to patients' homes was identified as a pivotal component for achieving improved outcomes.

The event served as a pivotal platform for experts from diverse fields to engage in meaningful discussions and share valuable insights aimed at advancing public health strategies, particularly in the domain of cancer control. The collaboration between Dr. Shobha, Dr. Pavithran K, and Dr. Aswathy S, along with their teams from Amrita Hospital, Kochi, in partnership with the iTMO Centre for Science Communication and EAFO (Eurasian Federation of Oncology), played a crucial role in enhancing the conference's impact, broadening its audience, and increasing its influence.

Renowned experts such as Dr. Anton Barchuk, HoD, Interdisciplinary Institute for Health Research from St. Petersburg University, contributed valuable insights, focusing particularly on leveraging cancer registry data for effective control strategies. Dr. Ravi Kannan, a recipient of the Padmashri and Magsaysay awards and a renowned oncologist, shared impactful insights from his experiences at Cachar Cancer Hospital in Assam. Dr. Kannan emphasised a people-centred approach, minimising waiting lists, embracing task shifting, fostering collaboration for success, and prioritising friend-raising over fund-raising to create a healthcare environment that truly serves the needs of the community.

Viji Venkitesh, Regional Head, Max Foundation, and a prominent filmmaker, provided insightful perspectives at the intersection of public health and cancer control. She highlighted initiatives like 'Chai for Cancer' and her contributions to establishing the Preventive Oncology Department at Tata Memorial Hospital, underscoring the importance of community mobilisation to address the financial challenges faced by families affected by cancer.

Dr. R. Sankaranarayanan, Director of Preventive Oncology, Karkinos Healthcare, emphasised the need for universal health care and minimising catastrophic expenditure in cancer care. Drawing lessons from Thailand's remarkable success in reducing such spending by over 70% in 25 years, he stressed the importance of enhanced health literacy, awareness, robust connectivity, and a resilient health system in contributing to Kerala's lower percentage of late-stage cancer reports compared to other states. These lessons, he noted, have the potential for broad national application.

Dr. Yao Song, Professor of Oncology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, delved into the multifaceted nature of cancer disparities, exploring molecular cancer epidemiological principles to pinpoint factors influencing cancer susceptibility. He also highlighted advancements in cancer immunotherapy, emphasising the positive impact of immune checkpoint inhibitors on patient survival.

In conclusion, the insights shared at the AIPHC collectively underscore the significance of a collaborative, comprehensive, and holistic approach to cancer control. Public health strategies and early detection emerge as key pillars in the global effort to mitigate the impact of this complex disease.