ONCO-CON 2026, a two-day national oncology conference, was inaugurated at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali under its oncology arm, Max Institute of Cancer Care, Vaishali. Centered on the theme “Close the Care Gap,” the event brought together over 1,000 specialists, including oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, haematologists, and allied healthcare professionals from across the country.
The conference highlighted rapid developments in cancer diagnosis and treatment, alongside the growing importance of patient-centred care, as India continues to witness a steady rise in cancer cases.
According to data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, cancer incidence in India increased from 14.26 lakh cases in 2021 to nearly 15.7 lakh in 2025, with around 28,000 new cases added each year. Uttar Pradesh has recorded one of the sharpest increases in both incidence and mortality, underscoring the urgent need for expanded access to advanced oncology services.
Speaking on the state’s healthcare challenge, Dr. Gaurav Aggarwal, Executive Vice President & Zonal Head, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali & Lucknow, said, “Uttar Pradesh is at the centre of India’s growing cancer burden, yet access to advanced oncology treatment has historically remained limited. At Max Hospital, Vaishali, our effort has been to build a comprehensive cancer care ecosystem that combines technology, multidisciplinary expertise, and coordinated care pathways so that patients in this region can access world-class treatment closer to home.”
Max Institute of Cancer Care, Vaishali showcased its advanced capabilities, positioning itself among leading oncology centres in North India. Its offerings include CAR T-Cell Therapy, EDGE 4.1 precision radiotherapy, Da Vinci Xi robotic surgery, and a full Bone Marrow Transplant programme.
These technologies are enabling more precise tumour targeting, minimally invasive procedures, faster recovery, and expanded treatment options for complex blood cancers.
Dr. Gopal Sharma, Vice Chairman – Medical Oncology and Organising Secretary of ONCO-CON 2026, noted, “Nearly 60 to 70% of cancer patients in India are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Our approach aligns with this reality, leveraging advanced technologies to expand treatment possibilities and improve outcomes. Each clinical decision centres on delivering the best possible care for the patient.”
Emphasising multidisciplinary care, Dr. Rajinder Kaur Saggu, Senior Director – Surgical Oncology (Breast), said the hospital follows a tumour board-based model that brings together experts to design personalised treatment plans, supported by services like genetic counselling, fertility preservation, psycho-oncology, and survivorship programmes.
Adding a radiation oncology perspective, Dr. Rashi Agrawal, Senior Director & Clinical Administrator – Radiation Oncology, explained that advanced systems like EDGE 4.1 allow highly precise radiation delivery while protecting healthy tissue, improving outcomes and patient experience.
(Photo courtesy: facebook/MaxHospitalsIndia)