BALCO Medical Centre Conducts Live Breast Cancer Surgery
18th September 2026
- Leading surgical oncologists and plastic surgeons demonstrate breast-conserving surgery and breast reconstruction techniques through live surgical demonstrations
- Comprehensive Breast Health Clinic inaugurated to strengthen access to specialised breast cancer care and aesthetic procedures in Chhattisgarh
Raipur, 18 September 2026: BALCO Medical Centre (BMC), a leading cancer care institution in Central India, inaugurated the 4th Annual Chhattisgarh Cancer Conclave in Raipur, with a live surgical demonstration on breast-conserving and breast reconstruction surgery. The platform enabled more than 50 surgeons and clinicians from across India to observe advanced surgical techniques and participate in clinical discussions on breast cancer management.
The live surgical demonstration was led by Dr Shalaka Joshi (Surgical Oncologist, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai), Dr Dushyant Jaiswal (Plastic and Reconstruction Surgeon, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai) and Dr Sanjit Kumar Agrawal (Senior Breast Oncosurgeon, Tata Medical Centre, Kolkata). The breast-conserving surgery demonstrated the removal of the tumour along with a margin of healthy tissue while preserving most of the breast. The procedure incorporated oncoplastic techniques, which combine cancer surgery with plastic surgery to rearrange the remaining breast tissue and preserve breast shape and appearance.
The live demonstrations focused on strengthening clinical decision-making and facilitating knowledge exchange on contemporary surgical practices. The sessions provided healthcare professionals an opportunity to discuss surgical planning, treatment approaches and patient-centred decision-making in breast cancer care.
Speaking on the growing numbers of breast cancer in India, Dr Shalaka Joshi said, “Breast cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women globally and in India. We are seeing patients across a wide spectrum of age groups and disease stages. One of the continuing challenges in India is the proportion of women who report with disease in advanced stages, when treatment can become more complex and outcomes worse. Improving outcomes therefore requires a dedicated effort starting from awareness and early detection to accurate diagnosis, appropriate and affordable multidisciplinary treatment and comprehensive rehabilitation. Equally important is strengthening the capabilities of healthcare professionals closer to where patients live. Initiatives such as the BMC Chhattisgarh Cancer Conclave create an important platform for surgeons to observe contemporary techniques, discuss complex clinical decisions and exchange knowledge strengthening cancer care in Central India.”
The live surgical demonstrations also highlighted the role of breast reconstruction as an integral component of comprehensive breast cancer treatment. Dr Ishita Katyal, Consultant, Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon, BALCO Medical Centre, on reconstruction said, “Cancer treatment must look beyond disease control to the patient’s overall quality of life. Breast reconstruction is an important component of this approach. Our aim is to restore the breast as naturally as possible, while preserving symmetry and form, thus helping the patient feel that she has not lost a part of herself to cancer.
A Comprehensive Breast Health Clinic was also inaugurated at BMC by Dr. Varnika Sharma (Chairperson, Chhattisgarh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights). This is in addition to the ongoing efforts of BMC to expand access to comprehensive breast care in the region. Led by an all-women team of consultants, the clinic brings together specialists from multiple disciplines to provide coordinated breast health management, cancer care, reconstruction and cosmetic breast surgery under one roof.
Speaking about the initiative, Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin (Retd), former Director General Armed Forces Medical Services, said, “One of the key challenges in cancer care is early detection and timely intervention. The Comprehensive Breast Health Clinic is a big step towards providing an end-to-end breast health management pathway in this region. The clinic will cover cancer prevention, routine screening, early diagnosis, timely treatment and reconstruction, along with allied services such as nutrition, physiotherapy and lymphedema management.”
Adding to this Dr Bhawna Sirohi, Medical Director and Senior Medical Oncologist, BALCO Medical Centre, said, “By bringing cancer care capabilities together, we aim to strengthen continuity of care in central India and provide women with support throughout their treatment journey, from diagnosis and treatment to recovery. This integrated approach will contribute to building a more accessible and patient-centred cancer care ecosystem in the region.”
The 4th Annual Chhattisgarh Cancer Conclave reinforces BALCO Medical Centre’s focus on strengthening regional oncology capabilities through clinical collaboration, continuous learning and multidisciplinary care. By connecting leading specialists with healthcare professionals from across the region, the conclave aims to facilitate knowledge exchange and contribute to a stronger cancer care ecosystem in Central India.
