History of KASO
Since 1983
History of KASO
The foundation of surgical oncology in our region was laid by the visionary Dr. Thomas Cherian, who established the Department of Surgical Oncology when the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) began functioning in 1983. At a time when resources were scarce and information technology was nonexistent, Dr. Cherian pioneered innovative surgical techniques and improvised with limited infrastructure. His dedication to the field was unparalleled—trained in both surgery and anesthesia, he often administered anesthesia himself before operating on cancer patients, ensuring they received care despite the challenges of the era.
Dr. Cherian’s ingenuity and foresight were remarkable. Before modern techniques became widely known, he practiced advanced procedures such as breast conservation surgery and functional neck dissections, often ahead of their popularity in Western countries. When Dr. Stephen Ariyan first described the pectoralis myocutaneous flap, Dr. Cherian, without access to the published articles, independently developed and applied the technique for head and neck cancer patients . His ability to innovate extended to surgical instruments as well; he collaborated with local blacksmiths and mechanics to create tools tailored to the needs of cancer surgery.
Dr. Thomas Cherian’s legacy is the cornerstone of surgical oncology in Kerala. He paved the way for the specialty, demonstrating that excellence in cancer care is possible even in resource- limited settings. KASO was established in the year 2015 following the footsteps of Dr. Thomas Cherian with the aim of promoting delivery of excellent cancer care.
Inauguration of KASO
The Kerala Association of Surgical Oncologists was Inaugurated by Hon’ble Governor of Kerala Justice P Sathasivam on 11th April at Hotel Residency Towers, Trivandrum. Hon’ble Governor has told the increase in number of cancer patients and lack of trained manpower in treating Cancer are the biggest challenges to people of Kerala.
Hon’ble Governor reiterated the neccessity of boosting up cancer treatment facilities and training in Cancer surgery.In India every year 7 lakh people are dying of Cancer
The number of cancer hospitals with adequate facilities in india is only 27.Kerala had only less than 50 Surgical Oncologits for the entire population of 3.3crore.Governor said that Associations like KASO and Media should reach right message to people.The Governor remembered Dr.Thomas Cherian ,who was the founder HOD of the Department of Surgical Oncology. He established the department in 1983 and paved path for the growth of speciality of surgical Oncology in Kerala state.The present status of Surgical Oncology is because of his untyring efforts.
The Keynote address was delivered by Dr.MKC Nair, ViceChancellor of Kerala University of Health Sciences.He stressed the need for bringing humanity in cancer care and understanding patient’s perspectives and tailoring treatment according to that.Dr.KS Gopinath , Director of Oncology ,HCG Bangalore presided the function.
The Special address was done by Dr.M Krishnan Nair , Founder director of RCC.Felicitation was done by Dr.Santhosh John Abraham, National President of Association of Surgeons of India.
The meeting was followed by Continuing Medical Education on cancer Surgery named “Redefining Limits in Cancer Care”. The CME addressed various apsects of Cancer Surgery like latest trends, man power training and technical innovations in Cancer surgery.
Need for KASO
Cancer is an ever-growing health challenge in Kerala, with nearly 50,000 new cases reported annually, according to projections from the Trivandrum Population-Based Cancer Registry (PBCR). Despite the increasing burden of cancer, there are fewer than 50 surgical oncologists in the state for a population exceeding 3 crores. In contrast, developed countries maintain a ratio of one oncologist for every 100 cancer patients, highlighting the urgent need to strengthen surgical oncology in Kerala
A Legacy of Excellence in Cancer Surgery
The history of surgical oncology in Kerala began over three decades ago with the pioneering efforts of Dr. Thomas Cherian, who is regarded as the father of surgical oncology in Kerala. After the establishment of the first onco-surgery unit in the state, he played a pivotal role in training surgeons who later advanced cancer surgery across Kerala and beyond. However, formal training programs in cancer surgery were introduced only recently, leading to a shortage of qualified surgical oncologists compared to other states.
At the same time, Kerala is witnessing a rapid increase in cancer incidence, outpacing many other regions in India. Recent reports suggest that Trivandrum has one of the highest breast cancer rates among Indian cities. In light of these alarming statistics, it is crucial to expand and strengthen surgical oncology to meet the growing demand for specialized cancer care.
Why KASO is Essential
The Kerala Association of Surgical Oncologists (KASO) was established to address these challenges and promote excellence in surgical oncology. Our objectives include:
• Ensuring Specialized Cancer Care: Cancer surgery is complex and requires expertise beyond general surgery. A trained surgical oncologist has a deep understanding of tumor biology, cancer spread patterns, and advanced surgical techniques, leading to better patient outcomes.
• Bridging the Manpower Gap: With cancer cases rising, Kerala urgently needs more trained surgical oncologists. KASO aims to train, mentor, and attract young surgeons to the specialty, ensuring high-quality cancer care across the state.
• Public Awareness and Education: Many patients are unaware of the importance of seeking treatment from a trained surgical oncologist. Through public awareness campaigns, KASO educates the community on evidence-based cancer treatments and helps them make informed decisions.
• Training and Knowledge Sharing: KASO conducts workshops, training programs, and CMEs to equip surgeons with the latest advancements in cancer surgery. We collaborate with national and international experts for skill enhancement and knowledge exchange.
• Advocacy and Research: KASO partners with governmental and non-governmental organizations to advocate for better cancer care policies, improved facilities, and increased research funding.
Given the rising cancer burden, the shortage of specialized surgeons, and the increasing need for evidence-based treatment, KASO plays a critical role in strengthening surgical oncology in Kerala. By training new specialists, updating existing surgeons, advocating for better policies, and educating the public, we aim to ensure that every cancer patient in Kerala has access to the highest standard of surgical care. Through collective efforts, KASO is committed to shaping the future of cancer treatment in Kerala and beyond.
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Our mission is simple: to heal, to help, to serve. Every patient, every day.