Dec 17: The Department of Oncological Sciences at KIMS Hospitals, Thane, hosted the “Affordable Cancer Care Conference 2025” on December 13, bringing together clinicians, NGOs, healthcare leaders, and community organisations to address India’s escalating cancer burden and the urgent need for accessible, affordable, and collaborative oncology care.
According to GLOBOCAN data, India reported an estimated 1.41 million new cancer cases and over 900,000 deaths in 2022, with one in nine Indians facing a lifetime risk of cancer. Annual treatment costs often exceed INR 3 lakh per patient, pushing families into debt, asset liquidation, and long-term financial distress. Against this backdrop, the conference provided a national platform to strengthen partnerships among doctors, NGOs, hospitals, and support networks for sustainable cancer care.
Smt. Parisha Sarnaik, President of Vihang Charitable Trust, along with actors Sakshi Tanwar and Ishtiyak Khan, highlighted the importance of cancer awareness and community engagement, commending KIMS Hospitals for building a comprehensive cancer care ecosystem with site-specific oncology teams under one roof.
The conference featured discussions on oncology sub-specialties, affordable diagnostic pathways, multidisciplinary care models, continuity of treatment, NGO-led intervention frameworks, and patient-centric rehabilitation and survivorship support. Over 45 NGOs participated, showcasing initiatives in early detection, patient navigation, financial assistance, and community-based preventive programs.
Mr. Saurabh Gupta, Regional COO of KIMS Hospitals, Thane, emphasized the hospital’s mission to deliver world-class cancer treatment that remains financially accessible, highlighting collaboration as the foundation of a sustainable care framework.
Dr. Anil Heroor, Director of Oncological Sciences and Organising Chairman, noted that modern cancer care requires unified strategies integrating early diagnosis, timely treatment, and long-term follow-up. Dr. Vani Parmar, Head of Breast Oncosurgery, stressed the importance of women-centric cancer pathways through evidence-based care, counseling, and holistic rehabilitation. Dr. Hitesh Singhavi, Consultant Head and Neck Oncosurgeon and Organising Secretary, addressed India’s disproportionately high burden of head and neck cancers, emphasizing prevention, awareness, and integrated treatment systems to improve outcomes.
Led by Organising Chairman Dr. Anil Heroor and Organising Secretary Dr. Hitesh R. Singhavi, the Affordable Cancer Care Conference 2025 reaffirmed KIMS Hospitals Thane’s commitment to building an inclusive, collaborative oncology ecosystem. The event highlighted the collective resolve to make advanced cancer care accessible, humane, and affordable for every patient, regardless of socioeconomic background.