Experts Call for Greater Focus on Prevention, Screening in the Fight Against Breast Cancer
The urgent need to strengthen breast cancer prevention, screening and early detection in India came into focus at the 1st Haimanti Mukhopadhyay Memorial Lecture 2026, organised by Children Unbound Foundation on August 29, at the Constitution Club of India in New Delhi. Bringing together senior cancer specialists, surgeons, oncologists, academics and development-sector representatives, the lecture examined the challenges surrounding breast cancer in India and discussed the way forward from prevention and diagnosis to treatment and quality of life.
Held on the theme “Breast Cancer in India: Prevention, Early Detection, Treatment, Protocols and the Way Forward,” the lecture provided a multidisciplinary platform for discussing different aspects of breast cancer care. Experts from AIIMS Delhi, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre and Max Super Speciality Hospital shared their perspectives on prevention, screening, symptoms, radiation therapy, hereditary cancer, chemotherapy and patient well-being.
The programme began with a welcome address by Narender Yadav, Founder & CEO, Children Unbound Foundation (CUF). This was followed by a tribute to Ms. Haimanti Mukhopadhyay by Prof. (Dr.) Samrat Mukhopadhya of the Department of Textiles, IIT Delhi. The Memorial Lecture was organised in her memory.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Seema Patni, General Surgeon and Advisor, Children Unbound Foundation, highlighted the importance of creating greater awareness around breast cancer and strengthening preventive healthcare.
Dr. Indu Aggarwal, Head of Preventive Oncology, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre, Rohini, gave a comprehensive overview of breast cancer in India. Her session provided the broader context for understanding the disease and the importance of preventive oncology in reducing its impact.
The discussion then turned to the clinical recognition and treatment of the disease. Dr. Deepika Chauhan, Director and Unit Head, Radiation Oncology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka, spoke about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and the role of radiation therapy. An open forum subsequently allowed participants to engage with the speakers and discuss issues related to breast cancer prevention and treatment.
Emphasising the importance of prevention and screening, Dr. Abhishek Shankar, Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, AIIMS Delhi, addressed the question of why prevention and screening matter in the fight against breast cancer. He also delved on various prevailing myths related to cancer treatment.
The genetic dimensions of the disease were explored by Dr. Ashutosh Mishra, Associate Professor, Department of Surgical Oncology, AIIMS Delhi, who spoke on hereditary and familial breast cancer. His session highlighted another important dimension of assessing breast cancer risk. His session also brought attention to the importance of looking beyond treatment alone and considering the quality of life of people undergoing cancer care.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Vishwajeet Ghoshal, Co-Founder & COO, Children Unbound Foundation.
The Memorial Lecture underscored the importance of bringing medical expertise and public awareness together in addressing breast cancer. With discussions spanning prevention, early detection, treatment and quality of life, the event highlighted the need for a comprehensive and informed approach to tackling breast cancer in India.