With an alarming increase in the rise of cancer cases in India, Integrated Health and Wellbeing (IHW) Council conceived the idea of making a significant impact in the field of cancer care as a major NCD. This initiative took shape with the decision to host the inaugural edition of the Cancer Summit on World Cancer Day, which is observed on February 4th every year. It brought together lawmakers, policymakers, and healthcare experts to initiate conversations and ensure that cancer control remains a priority on India’s health and development agenda.

Aligned with the UN holistic approach to achieving Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 3 of Good Health and Wellbeing, the initiative is hinged on the principles of “REALIZE”, “ACT NOW”, “PRACTICE”, “INFORM” and “DEFEAT”, in an attempt to respond to the country’s holistic fight against cancer by improving cancer outcomes for all patients. Our mission is to serve as a trusted link between the industry and communities, while ensuring fellow citizen’s health benefit in the times to come.

The Cancer Summit 2020 served as a platform to address the pressing challenges in cancer care and explore ways to enhance prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, survivorship and palliative care. Lawmakers and policymakers played a crucial role in shaping policies and creating an enabling environment for effective cancer control strategies and healthcare ecosystem. Their presence at the summit emphasized on the commitment of the government to prioritize cancer care and strengthen the health infrastructure necessary for cancer care and management.

Healthcare experts, including oncologists, researchers, and public health professionals, shared their expertise and insights during the summit. They discussed advancements in cancer research, innovative treatment modalities, and the importance of early detection. By bringing together these diverse stakeholders, the summit facilitated interdisciplinary collaborations and knowledge-sharing, laying the foundation for comprehensive cancer care in India. The Cancer Summit 2020 also focused on raising public awareness about cancer, its risk factors, and the significance of timely screenings. Through various awareness sessions, the summit aimed to educate the public and empower individuals to take proactive steps towards cancer prevention and early detection. By leveraging media platforms, social networks, and community engagement, the summit reached a wide audience and disseminated accurate information about cancer prevention strategies as well as measures for better care and management.

One of the key outcomes of the Cancer Summit 2020 was the formulation of evidence-based recommendations and policy guidelines. These recommendations served as a roadmap for policymakers, highlighting the key areas that required attention and intervention. The summit emphasized the need for comprehensive cancer control strategies that address prevention, early detection, treatment, and palliative care. It advocated for the integration of cancer care into the larger health and development agenda of India, ensuring sustained efforts to reduce the burden of cancer in the country. Furthermore, the summit acted as a catalyst for collaborations between the government, healthcare institutions, non-governmental organizations, and the pharma sector. It provided a platform for networking partnerships, collaborations and fostering synergies to drive impactful initiatives in cancer control, advocacy and awareness with a muti- lateral approach. Such collaborations can play an important and significant role in pooling resources, expertise, and technology to enhance cancer care delivery, research, and capacity building.

The Cancer Summit 2020 was a milestone event that marked the beginning of a collective effort to address the challenges of cancer care in India and hence the Rapid Global Cancer Alliance came into being. It set the stage for future conversations, collaborations, and policy actions to improve cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The event reinforced the commitment of the IHW Council and its partners to make cancer control a priority on the national health agenda and work towards reducing the burden of cancer in the country and to advocate for accessible and affordable cancer care in India.

By raising public awareness, formulating evidence-based recommendations, and fostering partnerships, the Cancer Summit 2020 laid the groundwork for comprehensive cancer care and reaffirmed the commitment of stakeholders to address the challenges posed by cancer in the country and to work proactively for cancer awareness and advocacy.