On behalf of the World Cancer Day, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road brought the community together for a multidisciplinary cancer awareness forum, with over 120 participants from the neighbourhood residences including survivors and caregivers who shared their journey, along with doctors who shared insights on how comprehensive treatment enables evidence-based, individualised care.

Through a series of focused panel discussions, the event spotlighted recent advances and evolving approaches in cancer care. Conversations centred on advances in precision medicine and immunotherapy, evolving indications for autologous and allogeneic bone marrow transplantation, and emerging cellular treatments such as CAR-T cell therapy. Experts from medical oncology, surgical oncology, haemato-oncology and bone marrow transplantation (BMT), orthopaedic oncology, and radiation oncology also highlighted the importance of regular screening for lung, breast, colorectal, oral and gynaecological cancers. Sessions further explored limb- and joint-preserving approaches in bone cancer treatment, particularly among younger patients, while discussions on radiation therapy focused on high-precision techniques designed to preserve organ function. Discussions highlighted the importance of early diagnosis, timely screening and appropriate treatment selection in improving cancer outcomes and reducing late-stage presentations. The forum also focused on addressing misconceptions and encouraging informed, timely medical evaluation to strengthen public awareness of prevention, early detection and personalised care. 

Five cancer survivors shared their journeys during the forum, underscoring the value of early medical attention and sustained follow-ups. Among them was 84-year-old Suryakantham, with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma who continues on targeted therapy with stable disease after multiple lines of treatment.

The next survivor was 28-year-old Rachita, a young mother treated for high-risk B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia who underwent intensive chemotherapy followed by a haplo-identical bone marrow transplant, and remains in remission nearly three years later. A third story was that of a 34-year-old acute myeloid leukaemia survivor, Shailesh Pandey, who achieved remission after chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, and continues on follow-up care for sustained recovery. The forum also highlighted the case of Sharanya, a woman in her 30s, whose early-stage thyroid cancer was detected in time and effectively managed with surgery and radioactive iodine therapy. The last story was that of Srilakshmi, a 48-year-old throat cancer survivor who regained her normal life after timely treatment with radiation and chemotherapy, and today remains cancer-free, highlighting the impact of early medical intervention.

The Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Centre at Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road are ensuring access to the latest advancements, bringing us closer to a future where cancer is no longer life threatening. The forum concluded with an interactive Q&A session, reinforcing the importance of early detection, timely intervention and collaborative cancer care in improving both survival and quality of life.