Advancing Cancer Treatment in Central India
Team News Riveting
Raipur, September 19
BALCO Medical Centre, a leader in cancer care in Central India, inaugurated the 3rd Annual Chhattisgarh Cancer Conclave in the presence of Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Chhattisgarh.
The inaugural day featured a live surgical demonstration on complex head and neck cancers, bringing together distinguished international and national faculties to strengthen clinical knowledge and practice.
The live surgical workshop was led by global leaders in oncology, Dr. Anil D’Cruz, Director of Oncology, Apollo Hospitals (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai) and Dr. Gouri Pantvaidya, Professor and Head, Department of Head and Neck Oncosurgery, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai. The session was further enriched by oncosurgeons from leading cancer institutes across the country, who moderated the discussions to help participants understand critical aspects of surgical decision-making during the procedures.
Speaking on the rising cases of head and neck cancers, Dr. Anil D’Cruz narrated, “Over the last three decades, the incidence of head and neck cancers, especially thyroid cancers, has increased threefold. Thyroid cancer has an excellent prognosis and is primarily a surgical disease. If treated properly, 99% of patients can be cured. However, when surgery is performed by those not adequately trained in thyroid surgery, complications affecting the patient’s voice, calcium balance, parathyroid function, and long-term disease control can occur in a majority of cases. Ideally, surgeons managing thyroid cancers should perform at least 50–60 such surgeries a year. I am very glad that the BMC Cancer Conclave has provided a platform for young surgeons, and for me to demonstrate these techniques.”
Addressing the gathering, Shyam Bihari Jaiswal said “It is a matter of pride that Chhattisgarh is hosting educators, oncologists, researchers, and practitioners from seven countries and across India at BALCO Medical Centre’s Cancer Conclave 2025. Their presence is not only an honour for our State but also a testimony to how Chhattisgarh is emerging as a centre for advanced healthcare discussions and innovations. The conclave reflects our vision of bringing global expertise to address local healthcare needs benefiting people at the grassroots.”
The demonstration also included reconstruction techniques after surgery, which are crucial for restoring a patient’s dignity and functionality. Dr. Diwakar Pandey, Senior Consultant and Head of the Surgery Department at BALCO Medical Centre said, “It is not just about removing the tumour, but also about rebuilding the jaw’s bone and facial appearance, and restoring essential functions like eating, speaking, and breathing. This ensures patients can return to society confidently and have a normal quality of life.”
“Standardisation of cancer care is important,” said Dr. Bhawna Sirohi, Medical Director, Vedanta Medical Research Foundation. “Patients in this part of the country deserve the same quality of treatment as those in metro cities. Through collaboration and initiatives like this, we are building local capacity by training young surgeons and giving them platforms to learn from global leaders. This is the most effective way to achieve that goal.”
The live surgical demonstration saw overwhelming participation from over 150 surgeons and clinicians from across India. It was followed by an educational session and a panel discussion on the multidisciplinary management of complex head and neck cancers, where experts from various specialties collaborated to discuss the latest treatment approaches.
