Mumbai, Aug 05: Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Head & Neck Cancer Institute of India (HNCII) — India’s only dedicated super-specialty institute exclusively focused on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, research and education of head and neck cancers marked its 3rd Foundation Day with an Oncology Conference that brought together leading healthcare professionals to deliberate on the evolving landscape of oral cancer care.Centred on the theme, “Controversies Shaping Modern Oral Cancer Care,” the conference served as a platform to exchange scientific knowledge, encourage multidisciplinary collaboration and explore emerging approaches that can improve patient outcomes.
The Foundation Day programme underscored HNCII’s continued commitment to advancing clinical excellence, research and education in head and neck oncologythrough thought-provoking scientific discussions and expert interactions, the conference highlighted the importance of evidence-based treatment, early intervention and collaborative decision-making in addressing the growing complexities of oral cancer management.
Addressing the event, Dr. Sultan A. Pradhan, Chairman and Senior Oncologist, said, “Head and neck cancers continue to pose a significant healthcare challenge in India. While advances in treatment are transforming patient care, prevention, early diagnosis and collaborative learning remain equally critical. Through this Foundation Day Conference, we aimed to bring together experts to exchange knowledge, discuss evolving treatment approaches and collectively shape the future of oral cancer care in the country.”
The conference featured the 3rd HNCII Foundation Day Oration, delivered by Dr. Sudeep Gupta, Director, Tata Memorial Centre, along with keynote addresses by eminent experts including Dr. Zarir Udwadia, Ms. Padmini Sekhsaria and Dr. Murad Lala, who shared perspectives spanning clinical practice, disease prevention and personal resilience. Together, the sessions reflected the need for a holistic approach to healthcare that combines scientific innovation with prevention, awareness and continuous learning.
One of the key highlights of the conference was a series of expert panel discussions on contemporary issues in oral cancer management. Specialists deliberated on treatment approaches for early-stage oral cancers and the growing role of immunotherapy in advanced disease, reflecting the rapid evolution of treatment protocols and the need for multidisciplinary collaboration in delivering personalised cancer care.
The event also hosted an Inter College Quiz Competition, reinforcing HNCII’s commitment to nurturing young medical talent and promoting academic excellence within the oncology community.
HNCII’s message to the community is “Awareness,early diagnosis and timely treatment saves lives and improves outcomes.”