• Over 500 delegates and leading oncologists from across the world gather for the India edition of the influential St. Gallen meeting
• The event positions Kolkata as a growing hub for global dialogue in breast oncology
Kolkata, March 6, 2026 : In a significant milestone for oncology in India, the Institute of Breast Diseases, Kolkata (IBDK) hosted the India edition of the globally renowned St. Gallen International Breast Cancer Conference at Taj Taal Kutir, bringing together leading global and Indian experts to discuss advances in breast cancer treatment, research, and equitable care.
The St. Gallen Conference is one of the world’s most influential forums in breast oncology, where global experts review the latest scientific evidence and develop consensus recommendations that shape treatment guidelines worldwide.
The Kolkata conference saw participation from more than 10 international faculty members, over 200 national experts, and more than 500 delegates, reflecting the growing strength of India’s oncology ecosystem and its contribution to global cancer research. A recent nationwide study conducted in 2024 estimates that the incidence of breast cancer in India has tripled between 1990 and 2023. The incidence rate increased from 13 per 100,000 women in 1990 to 29.4 per 100,000 women in 2023.
The conference also saw the launch of Project Pink Army, a community-driven volunteer movement aimed at mobilising society in cancer awareness and patient support. It builds on IBDK’s earlier initiatives including Project Pink Alert, a cancer awareness programme for students that reached over 1.8 lakh participants in one of the world’s largest online cancer awareness webinars, recognised by the Guinness World Records.
Prof. Beat Thürlimann, St. Gallen, Switzerland, said, “Scientific progress in breast cancer must benefit patients everywhere. Platforms like this allow meaningful collaboration between global experts and clinicians working in diverse healthcare settings.”
Prof. Etienne Brain, Paris, added, “International collaboration is essential to address regional challenges in cancer care. Such exchanges help develop treatment approaches that are both scientifically robust and practically feasible.”
Highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary care, Prof Jens Houber, St Gallen, Switzerland, said, “Advances in breast cancer treatment require close collaboration between surgery, radiation oncology, and systemic therapies. Global dialogue accelerates progress for patients everywhere.”
A key academic highlight of the meeting was the presentation of more than 100 scientific abstracts and over 30 research proposals. Through a competitive grant programme, promising projects received funding support, while five young investigators were selected to present their work at the 2027 St. Gallen International Breast Cancer Conference in Vienna.
The conference also hosted the Asian Cancer Consensus Meet, where experts discussed unresolved clinical questions and treatment challenges specific to Asia, with outcomes expected to be published in a peer-reviewed medical journal.
Beyond academic discussions, the conference addressed a critical challenge in cancer care, access to treatment. Experts emphasised that barriers such as financial constraints, geographic limitations, and healthcare infrastructure gaps continue to hinder timely care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Dr. Soumen Das, Director Institute of Breast Diseases, Kolkata, said, “Bringing the St. Gallen Conference to Kolkata places Indian clinicians and researchers at the centre of global academic dialogue and ensures that Indian data and solutions contribute to international cancer policy.”
Dr. Tanmoy Kumar Mandal, Director Institute of Breast Diseases, Kolkata, added, “This initiative goes beyond traditional academic exchange by funding research, supporting young investigators, and strengthening access-based models of cancer care relevant to our region.”
With global faculty participation, research funding, consensus-building discussions, and community engagement under one platform, the conference highlighted Kolkata’s emergence as an important hub for global cancer thought leadership and a step forward in advancing equitable breast cancer care across India and Asia.
About Institute of Breast Diseases:
The Institute of Breast Diseases, Kolkata was established in 2020 with the mission of improving breast cancer outcomes through research, early detection, training of healthcare professionals, and equitable access to treatment.
