Kerala Cancer Conclave 2025: Speaker Shamseer reveals how he lost his dear ones to the ailment

Kerala Speaker AN Shamseer lost two of his favourite people to cancer recently. While inaugurating The Kerala Cancer Conclave 2025, which discusses the challenges and scope in the field of comprehensive cancer treatment, the pain caused by the personal losses was quite palpable in Shamseer’s words. Shamseer shared how losing the senior party leader Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, who succumbed to pancreatic cancer a while ago, and his mother’s death due to intestinal cancer affected him. Moved by these losses, the speaker proposed a few changes that should be implemented immediately in cancer treatment in Kerala. He highlighted the importance of introducing a uniform treatment protocol to make medical aid accessible to all.

'Research studies should be initiated to study the reason why different types of cancers are seen in different parts of Kerala. Many people are reluctant to seek treatment as they are scared of cancer. Awareness should be created among people to change this attitude,’ said Shamseer.

Food habits and cancer
Experts stated that dietary choices and food habits are a significant reason behind the rising cancer rates in Kerala. Noted oncologist Dr Eliyamma Mathew said that overconsumption of red meat is one of the main reasons of colorectal cancer in both men and women. Liver cancer has also seen a surge in Kerala, with cases jumping from 9.8 per cent to 11 per cent.

Cancer and lifestyle habits
As lifestyle habits and cancer are closely connected, the experts highlighted the importance of improving public health facilities and focusing on prevention activities to fight cancer.
These are some of the observations made by medical practitioners at the conclave:
Dr Prashant Mathur: Prostate, lung, and liver cancer are prominent among men, while the risk of breast and thyroid cancers is higher in women. Liver cancer has soared among men and women in the last two decades. Studies say that the number of cancer patients will skyrocket by 2030.

Dr Suresh H Adwani: Compared to other states, breast cancer cases have significantly risen in Kerala. Geographical factors are evident in the case of a specific type of cancer. Thyroid patients are more in Kerala than in Mumbai. However, oral cancer, which is prominent in Maharashtra, is rarely reported here.
Dr Narayanankutty Warrier: Lung cancer ranks number one in the list of cancers among men. Lifestyle changes, work-related issues and limitations in care are the main reasons for breast cancer in women. The rising number of migrant labourers may be a reason why oral cancer has been reported in Kerala. Besides, there has been an increase in cervical cancer, too.

Dr Eliyamma Mathew: Around 12 per cent of Kerala’s population is aged. This demographic shift is a significant reason for the increase in patient numbers. Even educated people are reluctant to seek treatment after the disease is diagnosed. It is possible to completely cure cancer if it is diagnosed in the early stages. However, most people miss this window. Around 30 per cent of cancer cases reported among women in Kerala are breast cancer. The doctor expressed alarm at the rising number of patients who drop out of treatment midway.
Dr V Ramankutty: Cancer is the most dreadful disease in Kerala after heart disease. Those who believe that pesticides in vegetables are the reason that causes cancer ignore factors like alcohol addiction and lack of exercise.

Lack of proper prevention and uniform treatment protocols poses significant challenges in cancer treatment in Kerala. People are still keen to try both scientific and unscientific methods to cure cancer.
60 -70 per cent of cancers are curable
The experts who spoke at the conclave highlighted that there is a 60 – 70 per cent chance of curing cancer. The panel stated that Kerala can overcome this challenge by implementing healthy lifestyle changes and habits, seeking treatment at the earliest stage, and completing the treatment course.

The doctors were speaking at the first session of the Kerala Cancer Conclave 2025 to discuss the challenges and scope of cancer treatment. The two-day seminar held at Hayat Regency in Thiruvananthapuram was inaugurated by speaker AN Shamseer.
The conclave organised by the Association of Medical and Paediatric Oncologists of Kerala is attended by more than 200 cancer experts and medical professionals from India and abroad.

Sharing cutting-edge technology and knowledge
Dr Suresh H Adwani said that breast cancer cases are more in Kerala compared to other states, while expressing shock at the soaring number of thyroid cancer patients. He added that mouth cancer is rampant in Maharashtra, while it is rarely reported in Kerala. Dr Adwani, who is known as the father of cancer treatment in India, was the chief guest at the event. His words were inspiring for the medical professionals who have been working in cancer care both inside and outside India. Leading experts and doctors, including Pallium India founder Padmasree Dr MR Rajagopal, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology Director Prof. Chandrabose Narayana, Mumbai Tata Memorial Hospital Director Dr CS Pramesh, Malabar Cancer Centre Director Dr Satheeshan and Catholic Hospitals of India Kerala Chapter President Fr. Dr Binu Kunnath, will attend the conclave.

Eight sessions related to cancer care and treatment protocol will be conducted at the conclave. Dr. Shaji Kumar from the renowned Mayo Clinic in the US, Dr. Sabi George from Rosewell Park Cancer Centre, Dr. MV Pillai, Dr. Boban Thomas, Dr. Narayankutty Warrier, Dr. Aju Mathew, Dr. Ben George, Dr. Jemy Abraham, Dr. Rakesh Jalali of Appollo Proton Centre in Chennai, Dr. SS Lal, Dr. MR Rajagopal, Malayala Manorama executive director Jayant Mammen Mathew, Murali Thummarukudi and Dr. Bhavana Sirohi will lead the sessions. Findings from a survey conducted by the Association of Medical and Paediatric Oncologists of Kerala will be presented at the conclave. This is hoped to provide a valuable advantage in cancer prevention and treatment in Kerala.