SSO Cancer Hospitals launches head and neck cancer CoE

SSO Cancer Hospitals has launched a dedicated Head and Neck Cancer Centre of Excellence that will provide free treatment to eligible patients below the poverty line. The Centre brings together head and neck cancer surgery, reconstruction, multidisciplinary treatment, research and education.

The Centre will treat cancers affecting the mouth, tongue, voice box, thyroid, salivary glands, skull base and other complex areas. It will follow a multidisciplinary approach, with specialists involved in treatment planning and patient care. The Centre will also undertake clinical research and educational programmes for healthcare professionals.

The Centre was formally inaugurated in the presence of Jonty Rhodes, Former South African Cricketer and the Hospital’s Brand Ambassador, along with clinicians, patients and caregivers.

Dr Amit Chakraborty, Lead-Head and Neck Surgical Oncologist, SSO Cancer Hospitals, said, “Our focus extends beyond removing the tumour to helping patients return to normal life. Head and neck cancer treatment can affect a person’s ability to speak, swallow, eat and breathe, as well as their appearance and confidence. Wherever clinically appropriate, we will use organ-preserving approaches, robotic and minimally invasive procedures, skull-base surgery and jaw reconstruction. Complex cases will be reviewed by a multidisciplinary team, with speech, swallowing and nutritional support included early in the treatment plan.”

Dr Chakraborty added, “We want the Centre to advance the entire speciality by creating a platform where difficult cases are discussed, outcomes are measured, young surgeons are trained, research is generated and knowledge is shared. Its academic programme will include live surgical demonstrations, fellowships, observer programmes, continuing medical education, case discussions, webinars and masterclasses. We sincerely thank Jonty Rhodes for joining our awareness initiative and lending his influential voice to the fight against head and neck cancer in India.”

Jonty Rhodes, Former South African Cricketer and the Hospital’s Brand Ambassador, said “India has become a second home for me, as I spend nearly five months of the year here with my family. When you spend that much time in a country, you become more connected to the people and more aware of the health challenges around you. While cancer has not personally affected my immediate family, we all know that cancer is becoming increasingly common, and our changing lifestyles can contribute to the risk. For me, supporting cancer awareness is about encouraging people to be more conscious about their health, understand the risks and know that there are options available. Greater awareness can encourage people to seek medical advice at the right time and make informed decisions about their health.”.”

Rahul Kishore Singh, Chief Business Officer at SSO Cancer Hospitals, said, “The Head and Neck Cancer Centre of Excellence is the first of many we plan at SSO. It shows our long-term dedication to specialised, patient-focused cancer care. Head & Neck cancers are very common in our country, but many patients get specialised care too late. We aim to combine expert care, advanced technology, research, and awareness in one place. This isn’t just a new area in the hospital; it is a promise to improve Head and Neck cancer care.”

The Centre will also work on developing a pan-India referral network involving family doctors, dentists, ear, nose and throat specialists, maxillofacial and plastic surgeons, oncologists and hospitals. A digital platform will be used for patient education, referrals, clinical resources, training and research updates.

As part of its academic activities, the Centre plans to conduct live surgical demonstrations, fellowships, observer programmes, continuing medical education sessions, case discussions, webinars and masterclasses. It also plans to facilitate knowledge-sharing and mentorship among healthcare professionals.