Women entrepreneurs recently gathered at HCG Cancer Centre, Kolkata, for an impactful event titled Beneath the Surface – An Evening of Awareness and Conversation on Sarcoma and Bone Cancer. Co-organized with the International Association of Women in Leadership (IAWL), the initiative coincided with Sarcoma Awareness Month, observed in July. The gathering successfully took critical medical education beyond traditional consulting rooms and directly into the heart of the community.

​The program mirrored IAWL’s fundamental belief that while women entrepreneurs are leading industries, building enterprises, and driving economic growth, prioritizing personal health is equally vital. The initiative aimed to deepen understanding concerning:

• ​Sarcoma risks and warning signs.
• The critical importance of timely diagnosis.
• The profound impact of health awareness on families, workplaces, and the wider community.

Sarcomas are rare cancers originating in bone and soft tissues such as muscles, fat, nerves, and blood vessels. Primary bone cancers account for less than 1% of all cancers. Because of this rarity, early recognition, accurate imaging, and a properly planned biopsy are crucial for achieving better clinical outcomes.

​The event featured expert talks by prominent specialists from HCG Cancer Hospital, Kolkata:

​Dr. Jyoti Prakash (Consultant – Orthopaedic Oncosurgery)

​Dr. Sumit Sharma (Consultant – Interventional Oncology)

​Attendees also participated in a guided tour of the hospital’s advanced radiation therapy and molecular imaging facilities.

​Medical professionals emphasized several vital aspects of early detection and intervention.

​“Persistent bone pain or a growing swelling should not be treated with a prolonged ‘wait and watch’ approach. Timely diagnosis can create opportunities for limb-salvage treatment and the preservation of mobility,” said Dr. Jyoti Prakash.

​“Interventional oncology supports sarcoma care through image-guided biopsies and selected minimally invasive procedures that can reduce discomfort and recovery time, while helping preserve mobility and quality of life,” said Dr. Sharma.

​Reinforcing the organizational goal, Dr. Rupali Basu, the Regional Business Head – East and AP, HCG Cancer Hospitals, said, “Cancers are easily overlooked—and that is precisely why awareness matters. By engaging women leaders, we hope to create informed voices that carry potentially life-saving insights into families, workplaces and communities”.

The collaboration between HCG Cancer Centre and IAWL successfully highlighted the intersection of women’s leadership and community health advocacy, ensuring that vital conversations regarding sarcoma and bone cancer reach broader audiences for early intervention and improved survivorship.

Priyanka Dutta