The Lung Health & Oncology National Conference 2024, hosted by the Integrated Health & Wellbeing (IHW) Council at the Ambedkar International Convention Centre, brought together a distinguished panel of experts from healthcare, government, and allied sectors. The conference sought to address the escalating burden of lung cancer in India and emphasized the importance of early detection, equitable access to care, and innovative treatments to combat this life-threatening disease.

India faces an alarming reality, reporting 72,510 new cases of lung cancer annually and 66,279 deaths, making it one of the most fatal cancers in the country. With over 75% of cases diagnosed at advanced stages, factors such as smoking, pollution, and delays in screenings exacerbate the crisis. The conference called for a coordinated response from all stakeholders, including policymakers, clinicians, and public health advocates, to tackle this challenge comprehensively.

A panel of experts, including Mr. Kamal Narayan, CEO of IHW Council, and eminent medical professionals like Dr. Saroj Das Majumder of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, Col. Rajeev Mannali of SUT Pattom Super Speciality Hospital, and public health leaders such as Dr. Urvashi Prasad, Former Director at NITI Aayog, deliberated on innovative approaches to combat lung cancer. Discussions centered on the importance of holistic care, technological advancements, and overcoming challenges in the Indian healthcare system.

Addressing the need for holistic cancer care, Dr. Urvashi Prasad highlighted the critical role of integrating support systems into the treatment process. “An effective cancer care system must focus on the patient’s physical, emotional, and social well-being,” she said. “Beyond clinical treatment, integrating mental health counseling, nutritional guidance, and palliative care is crucial for improving outcomes and quality of life. Policy intervention can help extend these resources to underserved regions.”

The conference also underscored the transformative potential of advanced diagnostic tools like AI-driven radiology and molecular biomarkers. These technologies are revolutionizing early detection by allowing clinicians to identify lung cancer at earlier stages and personalize treatments based on the unique genetic makeup of tumors.

On advancements in treatment methods, Dr. Saroj Das Majumder, Head of Radiation Oncology at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, spoke about the breakthroughs in radiation therapy. “Techniques such as Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) allow for unprecedented precision in targeting tumors while sparing healthy tissue,” she said. “Additionally, Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) offers non-invasive, highly focused alternatives, reducing treatment time significantly and improving patient outcomes.”

The event also brought attention to the importance of supporting cancer survivors, who often face long-term physical and emotional challenges. Mr. Vivek Tomar, Co-founder of “Rise to Survive Cancer,” emphasized the need for community-based initiatives. “Surviving cancer extends beyond defeating the disease,” he said.

“Survivors often deal with long-term health issues, emotional stress, and financial burdens. Building resilient communities through education, peer support, and resource access is vital. Collaboration between healthcare providers, policymakers, and advocacy groups can enhance survivor well-being.”

The conference concluded with a collective call to action, urging all stakeholders to work collaboratively to reduce the burden of lung cancer in India. Discussions emphasized the urgent need for public awareness campaigns, early detection initiatives, and affordable treatment options to ensure comprehensive and inclusive cancer care. The event marked a significant step toward addressing the lung cancer crisis, fostering innovation, and ensuring better healthcare delivery for patients across the country.