Unleashing the Power to Combat Cancer: Insights from the Global Uro Oncology Congress in Kolkata
The congress also recognized numerous living legends in Urology from across the country with the "Awards of Excellence" for their outstanding contributions to Uro Oncology in India.
Kolkata played host to a crucial Cancer Awareness Program embedded within the Global Uro Oncology Congress, an event that unfolded from the 23rd to the 25th of November 2023 at The Westin Hotel. Organized by the Urological Society of India- Uro Onco Section and spearheaded by the esteemed Dr. Amit Ghose, this conference encompassed diverse facets, including a pre-conference workshop for resident doctors, forging a national consensus on Uro Oncology, in-depth discussions on recent advancements in Uro oncology, and more. Drawing in stalwarts from the field of Urology nationwide and beyond, the congress emerged as a unique and mutually beneficial convergence of scientific exploration and societal impact.
A highlight of the event was the acknowledgment of leaders in Uro Oncology, with a special focus on the Robotic Revolution transforming cancer surgeries. Dr. Mani Menon, an Indian trailblazer in robotic surgery, was honored with "The Tagore Medal" for his lifetime achievement, marking a significant milestone in technological progress. Professor Prokar Dasgupta from the United Kingdom, an alumnus of Calcutta Medical College, received recognition for his excellence in Robotic Surgery with awards like the Padmashree and the prestigious "Order of the British Empire" from the UK Government. Celebrating his achievements, the event bestowed upon him the "Pride of Bengal Award." The congress also recognized numerous living legends in Urology from across the country with the "Awards of Excellence" for their outstanding contributions to Uro Oncology in India.
In a conversation with the media, Dr. Amit Ghose, Chairman of the Global Uro Oncology Congress, emphasized the congress's role in disseminating up-to-date knowledge nationally and internationally about kidney, prostate, and bladder cancers. Beyond scientific discourse, the overarching mission was to serve society by raising awareness about cancer risk factors, such as smoking, obesity, sedentary habits, and family history. Dr. Ghose underscored the importance of early diagnosis measures, urging people to take preventive steps, including PSA tests after 50 and regular health checkups for those with risk factors. By doing so, the aim is to manage cancers at an early stage, curbing morbidity and mortality.
Addressing the escalating global burden of cancer, Dr. Ghose highlighted the staggering statistics: 20 lakh cancer patients worldwide with 9 lakh deaths annually. Urological cancers, constituting 10% of this burden, are on the rise, with kidney, bladder, and prostate cancers taking center stage. Despite the grim outlook, Dr. Ghose emphasized that the survival rate surpasses the death rate, offering a glimmer of hope amid the challenges.
The Global Uro Oncology Congress was a collaborative effort with the Urological Society of India- Uro Onco Section, and Dr. Amit Ghose, a stalwart in Uro Oncology affiliated with Apollo Hospitals, served as the organizing chairman. With over 35 years of experience and a track record of successfully treating more than 10,000 patients, Dr. Ghose's initiative in organizing this congress has proven beneficial for emerging surgeons in the field.
