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The rising cases were highlighted by experts at the oncology conclave of the second foundation day of Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Head & Neck Cancer Institute of India (HNCII), the super-speciality hospital in Byculla, which put a spotlight on India's disproportionate cancer burden compared to developed nations. Rising cancer burden in India At a time when the people are suffering from so many different kinds of cancers in the country, India records over 200,000 new head and neck cancer cases annually, largely linked to tobacco consumption, experts said at the conclave. The real challenge is that almost 60 per cent of these cases are diagnosed at advanced stages. The priority, say the city-based and global health experts, must be prevention and early detection through awareness, screening, and lifestyle changes. If this can shift diagnosis to Stage 1 or 2, survival outcomes will improve dramatically, and people and experts can help reduce the cancer burden in the country. The disparity in the load of cases further calls attention to the urgent need for not only advanced research centres but also dedicated treatment institutes, and stronger national strategies to address prevention, early detection, and comprehensive care. The conclave, which featured leading global experts, including Prof. Ashok R. Shaha, Head & Neck Surgeon at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, saw them deliver the HNCII Oration on "Completion Thyroidectomy Circa 1992", and Prof. Farokh E. Udwadia, Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai, who also shared reflections from his critical care journey. Dr. Sultan Pradhan, founder and chairman, HNCII, said, "India is facing a silent cancer epidemic. While advanced surgical innovations like the submental flap have transformed outcomes, the need of the hour is clear - stronger prevention campaigns, early detection programmes, and more specialised centres to tackle this enormous public health challenge." With the need for a call to action, the experts said India's rising cancer numbers highlight the necessity of nationwide prevention programmes, tobacco control, screening initiatives, and research collaborations.