Media Release
Udupi, May 18: Department of Surgical Oncology, Kasturba Medical College and Hospital, MAHE Manipal inaugurated Pancreatic Cancer Support Group and organised a CME on Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Pancreatic Cancer. The programme is inaugurated by chief guest Dr Umesh Mahantshetty, director, Homibhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Vishakapatnam and he said, “Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Care Center at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal is far ahead in management of pancreatic cancer in the coastal Karnataka region and is one of the apex center in this country. He also said that Tata Memorial Hospital Mumbai launched pancreaticcancerindia.com in 2008, which helped in treating the pancreatic cancers, centralizing pancreatic cancer management and disseminating the knowledge about pancreatic cancers and to carry on activities like pancreatic cancer support group."
Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, vice chancellor, MAHE Manipal guest of Honour of the program said, “Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Care Center has grown exponentially over the last five years with extremely competent cancer surgeons, radiation oncologist, medical oncologists, palliative medicine specialists and specialized nursing care and the center is on the way to become Center of Excellence in the country. In India each year over 10000 new cases of pancreatic cancers are diagnosed and out of which only 10 to 20 percent of them are surgically curable. However, with the refinements in the surgical techniques, improved chemotherapy and radiation therapy techniques and evidence-based practice of cancer care has improved the outcomes.
Dr Sharath Kumar Rao, dean KMC welcomed the gathering and Dr Avinash Shetty, medical superintendent proposed vote of thanks. Dr Naveena Kumar AN, head- department of Surgical Oncology gave an overview on Pancreatic Support group and said all types of major and supra major pancreatic cancer surgeries including vascular resections and laparoscopic surgeries being performed in the department. This new initiative will help the newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer patient from the diagnosis, through cancer treatment to beyond the treatment to lead a normal life.