India is entrenched in a formidable battle against head and neck cancer, bearing the weight of a significant portion of global cases. The underprivileged, particularly laborers and workers, find themselves in the eye of this storm, their vulnerability exacerbated by widespread tobacco use. The imperative of preventive programs aimed at early disease detection took center stage at the 22nd annual RGCON 2024, themed 'Head and Neck Cancer: Bridging the Gap from Cure to Survivorship', hosted by the esteemed Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre (RGCIRC).

"Head and neck cancers loom large, constituting nearly 30% of all cancer cases in India, with projections painting a grim picture of a 50% surge by 2040," declared Mr. Rakesh Chopra, Chairman of RGCIRC, setting the tone for the conference. "The labor class, with a staggering 60% engagement in tobacco consumption, stands as the most susceptible demographic. Thus, preventive measures become not just necessary but paramount. Early detection, heralding an 80% curability rate in the initial stages, emerges as a critical cornerstone," Mr. Chopra emphasized.

Underlining the pivotal role of technology in diagnostics, Mr. D. S. Negi, CEO of RGCIRC, extolled the transformative power of AI. "AI algorithms wield the ability to swiftly discern cancer patterns, elevating diagnostic precision and substantially slashing turnaround times. This innovation holds immense promise in early disease detection, thereby amplifying patient outcomes," he affirmed.

RGCON 2024 convened over 250 luminaries and more than 1,000 delegates from around the globe, congregating to deliberate on the frontier of cancer treatment advancements.

Dr. (Prof) Sudhir Kumar Rawal, Medical Director and Chief of Genito Uro – Oncology Services at RGCIRC, elucidated on the conference's pivotal role in nurturing research and innovation. "As an academic bastion, RGCIRC places an unwavering emphasis on research endeavors. RGCON serves as a fertile ground to witness and embrace novel trends in cancer therapeutics," Dr. Rawal elucidated.

Commending RGCIRC's pioneering contributions, Prof. Alok Thakar, Director of the National Cancer Institute & Director of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at AIIMS, Delhi, hailed it as a beacon in cancer care. "This institution, birthed by a cadre of social activists, has forged an exemplary path in cancer treatment," he lauded.

Expressing gratitude to the global medical fraternity for their fervent participation, Dr. Mudit Agarwal, Unit Head & Senior Consultant of Head & Neck Oncology at RGCIRC and Organizing Secretary of RGCON 2024, underscored the conference's role in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. "This year's symposium catalyzed synergy among experts from surgery, radiation, medical oncology, and pathology, auguring breakthroughs in patient care," he affirmed.

Dr. A. K. Dewan, Director of Surgical Oncology at RGCIRC, delineated head and neck cancer as a pressing issue for Asia. "It is a malady afflicting the marginalized, with smokeless tobacco and smoking serving as chief culprits. India grapples with approximately 1.5 million new cancer cases annually. In 2022, RGCIRC recorded about 3,000 instances of head and neck cancers, constituting 19% of all cases. However, less than 30% of patients undergo surgery, underscoring our focus on multi-modal treatment," Dr. Dewan elucidated.

RGCON 2024 spotlighted key sessions on cutting-edge treatment modalities, including proton therapy, Brachytherapy, and the integration of AI in cancer care. Noteworthy innovations such as the Indian Surgical Robot, SSI Mantra, took center stage alongside discussions on cost-effective reconstruction methods and facial reanimation techniques.

The organizing committee of RGCON 2024 comprised esteemed professionals including Dr. Mudit Agarwal, Dr. Munish Gairola, Dr. Sumit Goyal, Dr. Rajat Saha, Dr. Sunil Pasricha, and Dr. Vikas Arora, reflecting a collective commitment to advancing the fight against head and neck cancer.