Reducing delays, drop-offs and distress: Patient navigation in focus at year-end oncology meet

At the year-end review meeting in oncology held in Varanasi (27–28 December 2025), a dedicated session on “Patient Navigation – The Fulcrum of Cancer Treatment” brought together doctors, researchers, a patient voice, and on-ground support professionals to speak about a simple truth: treatment works best when patients are able to reach it, understand it, and stay on it.

The meeting was convened under the leadership of Dr Amit Kumar, Medical Oncologist from Patna.

The panel included Dr Akhil Kapoor, Medical Oncologist and HOD, MPMMCC Varanasi; Dr. Anuj Gupta, Medical Oncologist, MPMMCC Varanasi, Dr Vikas Talreja, Medical Oncologist, Regency Hospital Kanpur; Dr Narendra, Research Scientist, MPMMCC Varanasi; Dr Archi Rungta, Genetic Specialist; Vijay Acharya, who is living with pancreatic cancer; and Arvind, Medical Social Worker. The session was moderated by Vivek Sharma, cancer patient advocate and Founder of Uhapo, a patient support organisation.

Across the discussion, speakers repeatedly returned to what patients and families face beyond prescriptions—appointments that don’t align, reports that are hard to interpret, long travel, paperwork, financial uncertainty, fear, fatigue, and the feeling of being lost in the system. While hospitals work hard to deliver the best clinical care, the panel noted that many patients struggle with the “between visits” part of cancer treatment—where a missed test, a delayed referral, or a lack of clarity can snowball into interruptions.

The panel spoke about the current resources available to patients—medical teams, social work support, patient advocates, and emerging counselling and education efforts—and also highlighted what still needs strengthening. This included clearer referral pathways, easier-to-access information in patient-friendly language, practical help with logistics, and stronger emotional and social support for patients and caregivers.

A key moment of the session came from Vijay Acharya, who shared what it means to live with pancreatic cancer and navigate the healthcare journey over time. His perspective reinforced the need for navigation that is not only efficient, but also compassionate—support that helps patients feel informed, supported, and not judged for their disease or the treatment in society.

The session closed with a shared view from the panel: patient navigation is not an “extra”—it is what helps patients stay the course and complete treatment with fewer avoidable hurdles. Strengthening navigation, the group agreed, can reduce delays, ease distress, and improve the overall experience and outcomes for people affected by cancer.