DST-PURSE International Conference on Breast Cancer Commences at CU Punjab with Focus on Genetics, Early Detection, and Precision Medicine

DST-PURSE International Conference on Breast Cancer Commences at CU Punjab with Focus on Genetics, Early Detection, and Precision Medicine

Bathinda 17 February ( PDL ) : The two-day DST-PURSE International Conference on Breast Cancer, titled “Transforming Breast Cancer Care: Early Detection, Precision Medicine, and Patient Outcomes,” commenced today at the Central University of Punjab with in-depth deliberations on cancer genetics, early screening strategies, and emerging targeted therapies. Organised under the patronage of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari, the inaugural ceremony was graced by the Chief Guest, Prof. Ratan Gupta, Executive Director, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Bathinda, and the Guest of Honour, Prof. Jai Rup Singh, Former Vice-Chancellor of Guru Nanak Dev University and Founder Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Punjab. The conference witnessed participation from eminent speakers and researchers from India, China, and the United Kingdom. Dr. Rajesh Vashishtha, Deputy Director, Max Hospital, Bathinda, was also present on the occasion.

Welcoming the delegates, Prof. Anjana Munshi, Director (R&D) and Programme Convenor, highlighted that the University is actively engaged in multi-omics research to identify key breast cancer biomarkers for precision diagnosis, targeted therapies, and drug design. She expressed concern over the rising incidence of breast cancer and emphasized the urgent need for awareness, early screening, collaborative research, and elimination of stigma, particularly in rural communities. Addressing an august gathering of oncologists, researchers, academicians, industry experts, and students, Chief Guest Prof. Ratan Gupta stated that late diagnosis remains the primary reason for increasing breast cancer mortality and escalating treatment costs. He emphasized that early detection is critical, as nearly 85% of breast cancer cases have no family history. He highlighted AIIMS Bathinda’s advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities, including PET scan services, affordable comprehensive cancer care, and a no-cost oncology laboratory established under the ICMR-DHR DIAMOnDS project. Stressing the low level of awareness in villages, he remarked that ignorance and fear must be replaced with regular screening, timely diagnosis, and informed care.

The highlight of the inaugural day was a special lecture titled “Breast Cancer: Facts, Fears, and Hope,” delivered by Guest of Honour Prof. Jai Rup Singh. He underscored the growing burden of breast cancer in India and Punjab, noting that over 30% of cancers among women are breast cancer, with most cases linked to lifestyle and environmental factors rather than heredity. Emphasizing that early detection saves lives, he called for greater public awareness, routine screening, stronger preventive strategies, and informed decision-making through genetic counselling, while addressing prevalent myths and stigma. In his presidential address, Prof. R. K. Wusirika, Dean, International Affairs, stated that the conference exemplifies the DST-PURSE vision of promoting interdisciplinary research for societal benefit. Prof. Monisha Dhiman delivered the formal vote of thanks. On the occasion, the dignitaries released an abstract book comprising 17 oral and 36 poster presentations contributed by research scholars and students.

The opening day featured two technical sessions. The first session, “From Genes to Screening – Breast & Ovarian Cancer,” chaired by Dr. Gowhar Shafi (1Cell.Ai, Mumbai) and Prof. Aklank Jain (CU Punjab), focused on integrating genetic insights with structured screening programmes. Prof. Santasree Banerjee from Jilin University, China discussed molecular genetic diagnostics for hereditary cancers, highlighting advances in mutation profiling and precision-based risk assessment. In a subsequent lecture, Dr. Nishu (AIIMS Bathinda) emphasized that regular screening and sustained public awareness campaigns can significantly reduce mortality, particularly in semi-urban and rural populations.

The second session, “From Early Detection to Drugging the Undruggable,” chaired by Prof. Santasree Banerjee and Prof. Raj Kumar (CU Punjab), focused on innovative therapeutic strategies. Prof. Shirley Hodgson, Emeritus Professor of Cancer Genetics at St George’s, University of London, delivered a lecture on the role of genetic insights in early detection and personalized prevention strategies. This was followed by a lecture by Dr. Rohit Singh (R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Maharashtra), who highlighted emerging drug development approaches that may broaden future therapeutic options. The day concluded with oral and poster presentations, followed by a cultural programme fostering academic interaction and collaboration. The second day of the conference will continue discussions on breast cancer therapy, genetic susceptibility, and AI-driven precision oncology, with a focus on translating research into improved, affordable, and equitable patient outcome.