The Institute of Breast Diseases, Kolkata (IBDK) hosted the India edition of the internationally renowned St. Gallen International Breast Cancer Conference at Taj Taal Kutir, marking a significant milestone for oncology in India. This event brought together top Indian and international experts to discuss advancements in breast cancer treatment, research, and equitable care.

One of the most important forums in the world for breast oncology is the St. Gallen Conference, where specialists from all over the world examine the most recent research findings and create consensus recommendations that influence treatment protocols globally.

Over 200 national experts, over 500 participants, and over 10 international faculty members attended the Kolkata conference, demonstrating the strengthening of India’s oncology ecosystem and its contribution to worldwide cancer research. According to a recent statewide survey carried out in 2024, the incidence of breast cancer in India increased between 1990 and 2023. Between 1990 and 2023, the incidence rate rose from 13 per 100,000 women to 29.4 per 100,000 women.

Project Pink Army, a community-driven volunteer initiative that aims to mobilize society in cancer awareness and patient support, was also launched during the conference. It expands upon IBDK’s previous efforts, such as Project Pink Alert, a student cancer awareness campaign that attracted over 1.8 lakh participants in one of the biggest online cancer awareness webinars in history, as acknowledged by Guinness World Records.

The presentation of more than 30 research proposals and more than 100 scientific abstracts was one of the meeting’s main academic highlights. Promising studies were funded through a competitive grant scheme, and five young researchers were chosen to present their work at the St. Gallen International Breast Cancer Conference in Vienna in 2027.

A peer-reviewed medical publication is anticipated to publish the results of the Asian Cancer Consensus Meeting, which was held during the conference to examine unanswered clinical problems and therapeutic challenges unique to Asia.

Beyond scholarly conversations, the conference tackled treatment access, a crucial issue in cancer care. Experts emphasized that obstacles like lack of funding, regional restrictions, and gaps in healthcare infrastructure still prevent prompt care, especially in low- and middle-income nations.

The conference demonstrated Kolkata’s rise as a major center for global cancer thought leadership and a step forward in promoting equitable breast cancer care throughout India and Asia, with participation from faculty from all over the world, research funding, consensus-building talks, and community engagement all under one roof.

Priyanka Dutta