Head and Neck cancer is the main cause of mortality in the country. Though the advanced surgical treatment appear professionally glamourous, the cost of surgery and supportive care is not affordable for the poor, said former Minister for Medical Education Dr V S Acharya.

Speaking at the inauguration of the 7th national conference of the Foundation for Head and Neck Oncology (FHNO) and pre-conference workshop held at T M A Pai International Convention Centre on Thursday, he said in such a scenario, creating awareness on preventing diseases like cancer will be a better service to mankind. Moreover, it is safe as well as economical. Hence, awareness must be created on moderation of alcohol intake, tobacco chewing and chain smoking. Voluntary tobacco de-addiction and stress management programmes must be organised for prevention of the disease, he suggested. “As medical practitioners, we have a greater responsibility to ensure that the fruits of medical advancement reaches the common man. Monetary concerns must be secondary and care must be our priority,” he added.

Karnataka Bank Chairman Ananthakrishna said disease does not distinguish between the rich and the poor. Treatment must be done with passion and dedication. However, medical practitioners are going wrong while clinically diagnosing any disease. Sometimes treatment of cancer can be more painful than the disease itself, which is not desirable, he added.

FHNO President Dr Ashok Shenoy said more youngsters must take up Head and Neck Oncology. Education, training and research is the aim of FHNO and hoped that the younger generation will be the torchbearers in further advancements in Head and Neck Oncology surgery.

FHNO Secretary Prof Madan Kapre read out the annual report, while Manipal University Pro-Chancellor Dr H S Ballal presided over the function.

KMC Dean Dr C V Raghuveer released the souvenir on the occasion. Padmashree S Kameshwaran and Prof Rajamma Rajan, eminent oncologists were presented the life-time achievement award on the occasion.
Organising secretary Prof Kishore Chandra Prasad and joint secretaries Dr Deepak Rajan Naik and Dr Panduranga Kamath were present.