Cytecare Hospitals, one of the leaders in cancer care space, launched the 6th edition of CANCON 2024. This year’s theme was, "Oral Cavity Cancer Management Revisited", that delved into the latest advancements in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of oral cavity cancers, with a special focus on early detection techniques, surgical interventions, and patient reported outcomes. Oral cavity cancer is the most common cancer in India, particularly among those who use tobacco or consume alcohol. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India accounts for almost a third of the global incidence and mortality related to oral cancer. Early detection is key to improving survival rates. However, despite the known risks, awareness about oral cancer and regular screenings remains low among the general population. Suresh Ramu, co-founder & CEO of Cytecare Hospitals, remarked, “CANCON 2024 marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to improve cancer care in India. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), approximately 1.2 lakh new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed annually in India, with a notable increase in younger populations due to rising tobacco and alcohol consumption. Early detection remains a crucial factor in improving survival rates, and CANCON 2024 helps equip healthcare providers with the latest techniques in screening and diagnosis to address this growing epidemic." Some of the important outcomes of the conference includes - Screening for Oral Cancers: Tools Available & When to Do Biopsy. The conference provided a comprehensive look at the latest screening tools, the role of biopsies, and how timely interventions can dramatically improve patient survival rates. This session was particularly relevant in light of the growing incidence of oral cavity cancers in India, a country where oral cancers account for nearly 30% of all cancers. Presenters at CANCON addressed this critical gap, explaining how modern screening methods like visual oral examination, brush cytology, and advanced technologies like VELscope and toluidine blue staining can help detect early signs of oral cancer. They also discussed when a biopsy is necessary to confirm diagnosis, as well as the next steps after a positive result. The conference also featured talks from experts Dr. Carsten Palme, chairman, head neck surgery, COBLH, Sydney, who served as the programme mentor for CANCON 2024. Dr Akshay Kudpaje, senior consultant and director of head & neck oncology, Cytecare Hospitals discussed “Surgical Advances in Head and Neck Oncology." Dr Carsten Palme, chairman, head neck surgery, COBLH, Sydney stated, “Globally, improvements in surgical techniques, reconstruction and adjuvant treatment have augmented treatment results and survival rates for patients with oral cancer. We need to embrace collaborative learning with medical practitioners from different parts of the globe to ensure that all patients have access to the latest proven treatments, driven by multidisciplinary strategies that maximise oncologic control and minimise impact of therapy on form and function. CANCON 2024 was an important step in that direction.”
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