UHAPO strengthens cancer advocacy at 3rd Annual Cancer Conclave 2025
Delhi: UHAPO successfully organised the third edition of Cancer Conclave 2025, which brought together leading oncologists, policy makers, researchers, NGOs, industry representatives, cancer survivors and caregivers to discuss the progress, challenges and future of cancer care in India. The Conclave served as a platform to assess current challenges, explore innovative treatment approaches, and advocate for systemic change to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life.
The event witnessed thought-provoking discussions on important topics including gaps in cancer care revealed by epidemiological studies, supporting newly diagnosed cancer patients: the role of advocacy, state-of-the-art cancer treatments, palliative support and end-of-life care, improving access to cancer care through government schemes, and building public-private partnerships for cancer advocacy.
“It was an honour to be part of such an insightful panel today at Cancer Conclave 2025, organised by UHAPO, a leading cancer navigation and home care enterprise. At common conferences, opportunities to engage with policymakers are rare. But when you get a chance to interact with them and hear their perspectives, it really changes the way you look at various issues,” said Dr Vijay Patil, Medical Oncologist from Mumbai.
Dr Kumar Prabhash, another eminent Medical Oncologist from Mumbai, highlighted the need for advocacy in cancer care, remarking, “Advocacy in cancer care is crucial – not just to raise awareness, but to drive systemic change. It empowers patients, supports research, and ensures that the voices of those affected by cancer are heard in shaping policy and treatment advancements.” Addressing the need for quality healthcare despite resource limitations, Dr. Akhil Kapoor, Professor and Medical Oncologist, Tata Memorial Centre, Varanasi, said, “Achieving high-quality, reproducible care in resource-limited settings as well as ensuring that the patient’s voice shapes policy requires innovation, collaboration, and advocacy.” Highlighting the emotional and social challenges of cancer, Sangeeta Ravi Prakash, cancer caregiver shared, “Dealing with cancer is a challenge like any other – affecting not only the body but also emotions, relationships, and finances. It is important to explore all available options rather than assuming that there are no options. Do not hesitate to seek help even if you face rejection.” Mr. Vivek Sharma, Founder, UHAPO Health Services reiterated UHAPO’s commitment to patient-centric care, saying, “None of us ever think that cancer will touch our lives or the lives of our loved ones, so we are never truly prepared for it. We plan for things like our home, car, career, retirement, vacations, and education–but cancer is not something we usually plan for, and that is completely understandable. In those moments, when faced with cancer, we need an unbiased partner to guide us through our physical, emotional, social, and financial challenges. That is exactly what UHAPO provides. UHAPO is a social impact organization, run by people affected by cancer, on the ground, for people affected by cancer.” The conference was attended by leading experts from across the country, including Dr. Bhavana Sirohi, Senior Medical Oncologist, Raipur; Ms. Rashi Kapoor, President, Sachin Sarcoma Society; Mr. Jose Peter, Founder – Arogya Finance; Dr. Shruti Kate, Medical Oncologist, Nashik; Dr. Sudha Chandrashekhar, Advisor – Health Systems Transformation Forum; Dr. K. V. Ganapathy, PhD – Clinical Psychology, Volunteer Counsellor, Department of Palliative Medicine, Tata Memorial Centre Mumbai, CEO – JASCAP; Dr. Shamli Pujari, Assistant Professor, Palliative Medicine, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai; Ms. Sharada Lingaraju, Counselling Psychologist (Hospice and Palliative Care); Dr. Srikant Atrey, Palliative Medicine Physician, Kolkata; Dr. Jerin Liankimi, Family Medicine, Baptist Christian Hospital, Tezpur, Assam; Dr. K. Madan Gopal, Senior Public Health Specialist, National Health Systems Resource Centre; Dr. Urvashi Prasad, Public Health and Policy Specialist, living with ALK+ lung cancer and Dr. Chitra Gupta, Head – Government Affairs and Policy Advocacy, GSK India.
