Thiruvananthapuram, June 30, 2025 — The Kerala Cancer Conclave 2025, a significant gathering of oncology experts, researchers, and healthcare professionals, concluded today after two days of high-impact discussions aimed at tackling the rising burden of cancer in India and advancing equitable cancer care.

Held at the Kerala State Health Sciences Conference Centre, the event brought together over 200 experts from India and abroad, reflecting the growing urgency to address cancer through collaboration, research, and policy action.

Key Themes and Highlights

Advancing Early Detection and Screening

A major focus of the conclave was on early detection, with experts stressing the importance of scalable screening programs, especially in rural and underserved communities.

“Early diagnosis can reduce mortality and treatment costs significantly,” said Dr. Anjali Radhakrishnan, Director of Oncology Services at Kerala State Health Mission. “We must integrate technology and community outreach for better cancer outcomes.”

Innovations in Treatment

Sessions covered the latest advances in immunotherapy, precision medicine, and AI-driven oncology tools. Researchers shared findings on how genomic profiling and personalized therapies are transforming cancer treatment and improving survival rates.

“Kerala is well-positioned to lead research collaborations, given its strong healthcare infrastructure and skilled workforce,” noted Dr. Rajeev Menon, oncologist and keynote speaker.

Focus on Equity and Access

Another key theme was equity in cancer care. Discussions highlighted gaps in access to quality treatment for economically disadvantaged patients and proposed strategies to make cancer care more affordable and accessible.

Expanding government support for cancer drugs.

Strengthening public-private partnerships.

Enhancing patient awareness and support networks.

Global Collaborations

International delegates emphasized the need for cross-border research partnerships to accelerate breakthroughs in cancer prevention and treatment. Memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were reportedly signed between Kerala cancer research institutes and global institutions to facilitate knowledge exchange and joint studies.

Call for Policy Action

Concluding the event, health officials called for strong policy measures to curb lifestyle-related cancer risks, improve screening coverage, and invest in research infrastructure.

“The Kerala Cancer Conclave has been a catalyst for critical conversations,” said Dr. Shalini Varghese, Organizing Chairperson. “Our next step is translating these ideas into concrete action that benefits patients on the ground.”

The Kerala Cancer Conclave 2025 has set the stage for continued dialogue and collaboration in the fight against cancer, with participants expressing optimism about India’s capacity to lead innovation and improve outcomes in oncology care.