The Integrated Health & Wellbeing (IHW) Council is set to organize the Lung Health & Oncology National Conference 2024 on December 7 at the Ambedkar International Convention Centre, New Delhi. This premier event will convene influential stakeholders from government, healthcare, and allied sectors to address critical issues in lung cancer management and champion advancements in personalized healthcare in India.

Lung cancer, currently the fourth most common cancer in the country, accounts for an annual incidence of 72,510 cases and 66,279 deaths, according to The Lancet. Factors such as air pollution, industrial exposure, and smoking have significantly contributed to these alarming numbers. The conference aims to explore patient-centric care, precision medicine, and innovative diagnostics, all while emphasizing early detection and equitable access to advanced treatments.

The event boasts an illustrious line-up of speakers, including notable experts such as Kamal Narayan, CEO of IHW Council; Dr. Saroj Das Majumder from AIIMS Bhubaneswar; Col Rajeev Mannali of SUT Pattom Super Speciality Hospital; and Dr. Anant Mohan of AIIMS Delhi. They will be joined by a host of other esteemed medical professionals, researchers, and advocates.

The conference agenda is crafted to facilitate dynamic discussions. Sessions will delve into the epidemiology of lung cancer in India, the transformative role of public awareness campaigns, and the importance of robust screening infrastructure to mitigate the disease burden. A spotlight will also be cast on artificial intelligence (AI) and its groundbreaking role in early lung cancer detection, particularly in resource-limited settings.

A key focus of the conference will be molecular biomarkers, which offer deep insights into tumor biology and pave the way for timely and personalized interventions. Multidisciplinary approaches to managing Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) will also be explored, with an emphasis on adapting global guidelines to the Indian healthcare landscape.

Regional disparities in lung cancer care and actionable solutions to bridge these gaps will be a critical area of discussion. The role of patient advocacy groups in promoting equitable healthcare access will also feature prominently, underscoring the need for community engagement in combating this challenging disease.

Kamal Narayan Omer, Founder and CEO of IHW Council, underscored the importance of the conference, stating, “Lung cancer is one of the most pressing health challenges facing our nation. This conference offers a platform for experts, innovators, and policymakers to come together and devise solutions that can revolutionize lung cancer care in India. By focusing on cutting-edge diagnostics, early detection, and personalized treatments, we aim to bring hope to patients and their families while strengthening our healthcare ecosystem.”

The Lung Health & Oncology National Conference 2024 represents a crucial step toward conquering lung cancer in India. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and a focus on prevention, the event seeks to redefine the standards of care and deliver meaningful progress in the fight against this devastating disease.