Head and Neck Cancer Account for 30% of India’s Cancer Cases, Urgent Action Needed to Tackle Tobacco Use

New Delhi, 19th March 2024: India is facing a substantial challenge with head and neck cancer cases, representing a significant portion of global incidences. Particularly vulnerable are marginalized communities, notably workers and laborers, due to widespread tobacco consumption. The imperative for preventive measures and early detection programs was underscored at the 22nd annual RGCON 2024, themed ‘Head and Neck Cancer: Bridging the Gap from Cure to Survivorship,’ organized by the Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre (RGCIRC).

“Head and neck cancers account for nearly 30% of all cancer cases in India, with projections suggesting a staggering 50% increase by 2040,” highlighted Mr. Rakesh Chopra, Chairman of RGCIRC, during his keynote address. “Given that 60% of labor-class individuals are tobacco consumers, they represent the most susceptible segments of society. Thus, preventive measures are crucial, with early detection playing a pivotal role, as 80% of all cancers are treatable in their early stages,” Mr. Chopra added.

Mr. D. S. Negi, CEO of RGCIRC, emphasized the role of technology in diagnostics, noting the transformative impact of AI. “AI algorithms can swiftly identify cancer patterns, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and significantly reducing turnaround time. This innovation holds promise in early disease detection and improving patient outcomes,” he remarked.

RGCON 2024 convened over 250 faculty members and more than 1,000 delegates globally to discuss advancements in cancer treatment. Dr. (Prof) Sudhir Kumar Rawal, Medical Director and Chief of Genito Uro – Oncology Services at RGCIRC, highlighted the conference’s importance in fostering research and innovation. “As an academic institution, RGCIRC places a strong emphasis on research activities. RGCON serves as a platform to witness and adopt new trends in cancer treatment,” he elaborated.

Prof. Alok Thakar, Director of the National Cancer Institute & Director of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at AIIMS, Delhi, lauded RGCIRC’s contributions, recognizing it as a beacon in cancer care. “This institution, founded by a group of social activists, has set a commendable precedent in cancer treatment,” he commended.

Dr. Mudit Agarwal, Unit Head & Senior Consultant of Head & Neck Oncology at RGCIRC and Organizing Secretary of RGCON 2024, expressed gratitude to the global medical fraternity for their participation. “This year’s conference facilitated collaboration among experts from surgery, radiation, medical oncology, and pathology, promising advancements in patient care,” he affirmed.

Dr. A. K. Dewan, Director, Surgical Oncology at RGCIRC, characterized Head & Neck Cancer as a prevalent issue in Asia. “It is a disease affecting the economically disadvantaged, primarily due to smokeless tobacco and smoking. India reports approximately 1.5 million new cancer cases annually. In 2022, RGCIRC recorded about 3,000 cases of Head & Neck cancers, constituting 19% of all cancers. However, less than 30% of patients undergo surgery, as our focus lies on multi-modal treatment.”

RGCON 2024 featured key sessions on advanced treatment modalities such as proton therapy, Brachytherapy, and the integration of AI in cancer care. Innovative technologies like the Indian Surgical Robot, SSI Mantra, were showcased alongside discussions on cost-effective reconstruction methods and facial reanimation techniques.

The organizing team of RGCON 2024 included Dr. Mudit Agarwal, Dr. Munish Gairola, Dr. Sumit Goyal, Dr. Rajat Saha, Dr. Sunil Pasricha, and Dr. Vikas Arora.