India Hosts the Inaugural St. Gallen International Breast Cancer Conference

News Desk, News Nation 360: The Institute of Breast Diseases in Kolkata, or IBDK, has recently hosted the India edition of the St. Gallen International Breast Cancer Conference, held from March 7-8, 2026. Around 500 delegates and 200 experts were present at the event with the aim of addressing the rising incidence of breast cancer in the country, which has tripled from 1990 to 2023. The event marked the launch of the Project Pink Army, a volunteer-based initiative for cancer awareness and support, taking forward the IBDK's Guinness World Record-holding Project Pink Alert. The event was followed by the Asian Cancer Consensus Meet, focusing on the challenges in cancer treatments specific to the region. Eminent global faculty, including Prof. Beat Thürlimann and Prof. Etienne Brain, emphasized the importance of collaboration and the need for equitable cancer care. More than 100 scientific abstracts were discussed during the event, with five young investigators selected for the Vienna event in 2027. Speaking at the event, directors Dr. Soumen Das and Dr. Tanmoy Kumar Mandal said, "This global event places Kolkata at the forefront of thought leadership in the field of oncology and ensures that the Indian experience is factored into global cancer policies and interventions." By funding the research and promoting the access-based approach, the initiative is a significant step forward for the region in the fight against breast cancer in Asia.

Pic: Krishnendu Kundu