Chandan C, India

Ladies and gentlemen,

I want to share with you a journey that has shaped my career and deepened my passion for oncology. It all started during my clinical rotations at Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute (KMCRI), where I had the privilege of working in a 2400-bed tertiary care hospital. It was there that I encountered a patient who changed my perspective—a 58-year-old mother diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer. Her story wasn’t unique; like many others, she had no idea about the importance of genetic screening and early detection until it was too late. That moment made me realize—we need to do more.

My journey into cancer research took me to IISER, Berhampur, where I was selected for a workshop on Computational Oncology. I was introduced to the potential of omics technologies in cancer biology, and it sparked my interest in using advanced molecular techniques for early detection.

With this foundation, I initiated a study on Germline Hereditary Breast Cancer Susceptibility Gene Mutation (BRCA 1 & 2) at a tertiary care center. We aimed to understand how genetic predisposition affects breast cancer risk, ultimately helping oncologists develop personalized preventive strategies.

However, research alone is not enough. I knew that to make an impact, I had to take my knowledge beyond the lab. I worked extensively in tribal areas of Uttara Kannada, participating in health camps and cancer awareness programs. I saw firsthand how limited access to screening and a lack of awareness were costing lives.

Throughout this journey, I’ve realized that my mission is clear—to integrate cutting-edge research with compassionate patient care. I want to ensure that no woman has to face a late-stage breast cancer diagnosis simply because she wasn’t aware of the risk. We have the science, we have the technology—now, it’s our responsibility to make it accessible to every individual, regardless of where they come from.

This is just the beginning. As I move forward in my career, I remain committed to bridging the gap between research and real-world impact. Because at the end of the day, our work is not just about advancing science—it’s about saving lives.

Thank you