NE HEALTH BUREAU
CHENNAI, OCT 15
Dr Anil D’Cruz, Director, Oncology Services, Apollo Cancer Centres, is the first Indian Oncologist directly elected as, President at the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC, Geneva).
Dr D’Cruz has been on the board of directors of the UICC 2012 -2018 and was elected as President Elect in October 2018. The UICC is the largest and most influential cancer organisation globally that works closely with WHO and other global cancer and economic bodies and has a membership of 1200 organizations from over 172 countries.
As a well-recognized global leader, clinician, researcher and teacher in Head and Neck Oncology, Dr. Anil K. D’Cruz brings with him over 30 years of experience in the field of cancer care. He succeeds HRH Princess Dina Mired of Jordan to the post and is the first Indian Oncologist to lead this global body.
Dr. Prathap Reddy, Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group, said, “We are pleased to have Dr. Anil D’Cruz represent India at a global level and lead the UICC as the President. This recognition marks India’s global presence as one of the leaders in cancer care. The increase in the number of cancer cases, is indeed a matter of great concern and it is essential to bring in the best experts and leaders together to create better guidelines, counsel and awareness for early diagnosis. At Apollo Cancer Centres, we have always believed in the expertise, technology and personalized care for cancer treatment. It is a matter of great pride that one of the leading oncologists like Dr. D’Cruz is now the leader of an organization that will be a driving force in creating more awareness, accessibility, superior technology and knowledge in the field of oncology.”
On this occasion Dr. Anil D’Cruz commented “I am extremely delighted with the opportunity to be President and lead UICC globally. These are difficult times and the path to cancer treatment and prevention has become even more challenging now. It needs a team effort and I am sure along with the board of Directors as well as with inputs from health leaders and our members we will adapt to the task on hand. The current pandemic has had a devastating effect on patient management, screening programs, treatment costs as well as the financial viability of many organizations/ hospitals. While we need to support our governments in the control of this pandemic we must not lose focus and ensure that cancer is firmly on our minds as we seek to adapt to the “new normal”. We must reach out and support each other as we learn each day, more and more about the intersection between Covid 19 and cancer. There will be changes in the dynamics of cancer care with modifications in treatment and screening protocols. At UICC, we hope to play a pivotal role as we live up to our mission statement of uniting and supporting the global cancer community in our fight against cancer.
Awarded the Honorary FRCS from the Royal College of Surgeons, London for his exemplary work in surgery and oncology, Dr Dcruz has held leadership positions and is on the board of numerous professional organisations, universities, research organisations and cancer institutions across the country and abroad.
His landmark contribution on the management was neck nodes in oral cancer was awarded the prestigious plenary at the American Society of Clinical Oncology in 2015. The findings of this study form the basis of current global guidelines on this topic. It has resulted in saving lives – one death for every 8 patients treated with early oral cancer. With more than 350 peer reviewed publications and chapters to his name, Dr. D’Cruz is on the Editorial Board of many reputed national and international journals. He had also instrumental in initiation of the first Mch. super specialty course in head neck oncology in the country.
