Lecture on Cancer Awareness and Nursing Role in Oncology Care

Published on: February 7, 2025

The Himalayan College of Nursing, SRHU, organized a guest lecture on 7th February 2025 for B.Sc. Nursing 4th semester students in observance of World Cancer Day, commemorated annually on 4th February to raise awareness and promote early detection and prevention. The session was led by two speakers: Dr. Saurabh Nandi, Associate Professor, Department of Surgical Oncology, CRI, and Mr. Sharon Jacob, Fellowship Nurse.

Dr. Saurabh Nandi provided a comprehensive overview of cancer, touching upon both conventional and recent treatment modalities. He emphasized the growing burden of cancer and the urgent need for lifestyle changes to prevent its occurrence. Addressing the students, he underlined the importance of healthy eating habits, avoidance of junk food, and proactive screening as key tools in cancer prevention. Mr. Sharon Jacob followed with an engaging discussion on the critical role of nurses in cancer care and public education. He encouraged students to become advocates for cancer awareness in their communities and stressed the significance of nurse-led initiatives in promoting preventive strategies.

The session was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Kamli Prakash, Vice Principal and HOD, Adult Health Nursing, and the vision of Dr. Sanchita Pugazhendi, Principal, Himalayan College of Nursing. The activity was efficiently coordinated by Ms. Preeti Prabha, Assistant Professor, and Ms. Sandhya Chacko, Nursing Tutor.

A total of 144 students attended the lecture. The session deepened their understanding of cancer as a multifaceted health challenge and enhanced their appreciation for the nurse’s role in oncology care, not just in clinical settings but also in community awareness and education.

SRHU-Cancer Awareness
SRHU-Cancer Awareness
SRHU-Cancer Awareness
SRHU-Cancer Awareness
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International Endowed Chair Professor

Prof Rakesh Kumar

Prof Rakesh Kumar is the Founder and President of the Breast Cancer in Young Women Foundation (USA), dedicated to vaddressing the distinct issues affecting young women with breast cancer. He also serves as the International Endowed Chair Professor at the Cancer Research Institute of the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences. Additionally, he holds adjunct professorships at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Dr Kumar earned his Ph.D. from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in 1984 and began his research career at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in January 1986. From 1988 to 2017, he held various academic and leadership positions —including faculty member, tenured professor, distinguished professor, endowed chair, department chair, and research leader—at esteemed institutions such as Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. From 2017 to 2022, he served as the National Chair for Cancer Research for the Government of India and as a distinguished professor, continuing his innovative work in breast cancer research.

With nearly 40 years of research and professional experience, Dr. Kumar has made conceptual contributions to the field of cancer research (h-index 108, citations >50,000). He has authored over 325 peer-reviewed publications, edited or co-edited nine books, and delivered 290 invited lectures worldwide. His work has been featured on the covers of 18 major cancer journals and has been highlighted in institutional research reports of the MD Anderson Cancer Center.

A passionate educator and mentor, Dr. Kumar has guided 67 trainees throughout his career. He serves on the editorial boards of multiple leading cancer journals and has served on the editorial boards of 21 top cancer journals. His global reputation is further demonstrated by his participation in about 100 peer-review panels for cancer research funding in the US and internationally over the past 28 years.

Dr. Kumar's innovative research has earned him numerous prestigious honors, including the Hinkle Society Faculty Award at Penn State University (1994), the Dalla/Fort Worth Living Legend Faculty Achievement Award in Basic Sciences (2004), the Ranbaxy Research Award (2006), and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Association of Indian Scientists in Cancer Research (2013), among others. Dr. Kumar's pioneering research continues to have a profound influence on the fields of oncology and breast cancer, opening up new opportunities for biomedical scientists and trainees worldwide.