Integrative oncology : The future of Cancer care

Abstract

My dear brothers and sisters... On behalf of the organising committee of International Conference on Frontiers in Yoga Science and Application (INCOFYRA), staff of S-VYASA & VYASA and International Yoga Association (IYA), I welcome you to the 22nd INCOFYRA happening between 6th and 8th of January, 2018 at Prashanti Kutiram campus of S-VYASA University. The theme for the 22nd INCOFYRA, “Integrative Oncology”, has been chosen with an aim to propose and promote integration of traditional systems of medicine to combat the growing prevalence of cancer incidences. The prevalence of cancer has increased over the past decade and is expected to rise by 8% in the next 5 years. Traditional approach is becoming more and more sought after because of its obvious benefits like low cost, no side effects and its ability to bring about overall improvement. The cancer treatment is very expensive which is beyond reach of 60% of the world population. Also debilitating side effects of the conventional treatment is a much discussed topic in the medical fraternity as is the need for improvement in the palliative care of the cancer survivors. Several traditional remedies especially from Ayurveda, Siddha and traditional medicines are gaining popularity because of its considerable low cost. While Yoga, with its ability to bring about overall psychological and physiological betterment, has been shown to convincingly address the consequences arising out of cancer and/or its treatment along with reducing the number of remissions. Though elaborate description of cancer etiology and pathology is available, courtesy modern medical research, combating the disease with surefooted accuracy is still awaited. Cue has to be taken from modern medical research to adopt its empirical methodologies to bring out evidence for the curative vistas of traditional systems of medicine. Simultaneously the need of the hour is to shed light on best way to integrate the knowledge from different systems systematically for plebeian benefit. An effort is made in this direction through 22nd INCOFYRA by bringing national and international experts in different medical systems to Prashanti Kutiram campus. In the invited talks section accomplished scientists and doctors will enlighten us on the recent advances in cancer treatment and basic science research in cancer. In poster and oral presentations we have tried to give exposure to novel concepts and research work not limited to Cancer but overall application and understanding of different non-stereotypical ideas. Panel discussion sessions is where experts from research, medical profession, policy makers and pharmaceutical industry partners will churn out direction for dissemination of wisdom to help the commoner. On the whole we sincerely hope and wish this 22nd INCOFYRA will forge the integration intent stronger in the medical and research fraternity. Cost and cure will be better taken care by integrating the Best of the East with the Best of the West in Medical practice.