Rising Cases of Breast Cancer in Young Women Alarming: Dr Rakesh Kumar

Published on: April 22, 2024

Rising Cases of Breast Cancer in Young Women Alarming: Dr. Rakesh Kumar

A guest lecture on breast cancer was held at Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU), Jolly Grant. Prominent cancer biologist Dr. Rakesh Kumar shared important findings from his research on increasing cases of breast cancer among young women.

The event was inaugurated in the auditorium of the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS) with the lighting of the lamp in front of the portrait of the founder, Dr. Swami Rama. Notably, this lecture marked the first under the SRHU International Endowment Chair – Swami Rama Chair for Cancer Research.

Dr. Rakesh Kumar shared valuable insights into research and early detection strategies in the field of breast cancer. He highlighted concerns related to decrease in the average age of breast cancer in India, and discussed the factors contributing to this trend, including lifestyle factors, contraceptive pills, dietary habits, and other factors.

Vice-Chancellor Dr. Rajendra Dobhal honored Dr. Rakesh Kumar with a memento, emphasizing the university’s focus on research. He noted that such lecture series are beneficial to the university’s students.

Dr. Vijender Chauhan, Director of Academic Development at SRHU, stated that the true purpose of such conferences is realized when doctors, specialists, and students from the field participate.

Dr. Sunil Saini, Director of CRI, mentioned that if breast cancer is detected early, the chances of successful treatment are high.

The event was attended by postgraduate students, research scholars, and faculty. Dr. Kumar provided satisfactory answers to the questions posed.

The program was conducted by Dr. Sanjay Gupta, and attended by Dr. Prakash Keshaviah, Dr. Mukesh Bijlwan, Dr. Ashok Deorari, Research Director Dr. Bindu De, Dr. C.S. Nautiyal, Dr. Vikas Jadon, Dr. Geeta Bhandari, Dr. Nupur Joshi, Dr. Praveen Tiwari, Dr. Vinay Srivastava, Dr. Purandhi Rupmani, amongst others.

Formation of the Endowment Chair

Swami Rama Himalayan University has always been committed to knowledge and research in the healthcare sector. An endowment chair has been established at the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, SRHU’s Cancer Center, focused on “Research on Breast Cancer in Young Women”. The chair aims to prevent cancer, promote early diagnosis, and develop new treatments. Prof. Rakesh Kumar is leading and guiding this research initiative, advising the next generation of researchers in this critical area.

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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.