Thiruvananthapuram , 03 Jan (H.S.):From January 16 to 18, Thiruvananthapuram will host the Global Preventive Onco Summit (GPOS) 2026, a major international forum dedicated to cancer prevention and early detection. The three-day Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme will be held at the Hyatt Regency and is expected to bring together leading oncologists, public health experts, researchers, policymakers and healthcare professionals from India and abroad.

The summit is being organised under the leadership of Dr. M. V. Pillai, Chairman of GPOS 2026, with Dr. Mohanan Kunnummal serving as General Convenor and Dr. Satheeshan Balasubramanian as Working Chairman. GPOS 2026 seeks to build on the progress of the Cancer Safe Kerala initiative by strengthening preventive oncology through early detection, community-based screening and evidence-driven public health interventions.

A major focus of the summit will be on population-level screening programmes, timely diagnosis and the integration of preventive healthcare into routine medical practice. Discussions will also examine collaborative frameworks to ensure effective referral systems, structured long-term follow-up care and the creation of reliable cancer registries to support research and informed policymaking.

Renowned experts from India and overseas are scheduled to speak on recent advances in preventive oncology, including innovations in screening technologies, vaccination strategies, lifestyle-based cancer risk reduction, digital health solutions and large-scale public awareness campaigns. The programme will also showcase successful public health models from Kerala and other regions that can be adapted and replicated globally.

One of the key highlights of GPOS 2026 will be the participation of Dr. Chinnababu Sunkavalli, Clinical Director at Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad. A pioneer of robotic oncological surgery in India, he has performed more than 300 complex robotic cancer surgeries and is the founder of the Grace Cancer Foundation, which focuses on cancer education, early detection, comprehensive treatment, rehabilitation and advanced research aimed at achieving a cancer-free society.

The organising committee includes Dr. Chandramohan K, Dr. Rajneesh Kumar R, Dr. Balagopal P. G and Dr. Bipin K Gopal as Working Chairmen; Dr. K. L. Jayakumar, Dr. Arun R. Warrier, Dr. R. C. Sreekumar and Dr. P. P. Ansar as Organising Secretaries, along with S. Gopinath, Maj. Gen. Dr. Sabari Girish, Dr. Rijo Mathew, Flemy Abraham, Biby George Chacko and Abey George in key coordination roles.

By fostering international collaboration and translating knowledge into practice, GPOS 2026 aims to advance actionable solutions towards a future free from preventable cancers.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman