Cancer research, treatment options highlighted at World Cancer Day 2025 event

KATHMANDU: Nepal Cancer Niwaran Pratisthan (NCNP), Kathmandu Cancer Centre (KCC), and Image Group jointly organised a programme themed 'United by Unique' to mark World Cancer Day 2025 today.

Minister for Health and Population Pradip Paudel was the chief guest at the event while special guests included Indira Rana Magar, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Diwakar Rajkarnikar, Director of The Hidden Treasure, and cancer survivor.

A key moment of the programme was signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between NCNP and KCC, witnessed by the attendees. NCNP Chairman Hari Gopal Pradhan and KCC Director and Senior Oncologist Dr Simit Sapkota signed the MoU.

Addressing the programme, Minister Paudel highlighted the launch of a government initiative to inoculate girls aged 10-14 against HPV from February 4 to 18 in a nationwide vaccination campaign. He expressed his support for the organisers of World Cancer Day 2025. He shared his personal loss to cervical cancer, aligning the government's goals with those of the WHO by emphasising the priority of treatment and relief for cancer patients.

Individuals who have triumphed over cancer were honoured at the event. Sushma Bhandari and Abinash Khati won Inspiring Youth 2025 award for sharing their stories of beating cancer with treatment at KCC. 

Likewise, singer Devika Bandana was honoured for overcoming breast cancer with timely treatment at KCC. She holds the world record for most songs recorded while actively battling cancer and is the author of 'Winner’s Gale,' chronicling her battle against cancer and inspiring others.

Dr Simit Sapkota addressed common myths and misinformation about cancer circulating in the media. He recommended timely screening for cervical, breast, colon, and lung cancer and cautioned against believing in miracle vaccines for all cancers. He stressed that treatment depends on the specific mutation of cancer in the body.

Dr Sapkota, the senior oncologist, reassured that KCC and other hospitals in the country are well-equipped to treat cancer, with necessary screening equipment and procedures in place. He urged people to follow medical advice and schedule timely screenings, especially for cervical and breast cancer for women aged 25 and over, and colon cancer for everyone at 40.

The occasion also recognised various contributors to cancer awareness, research, and treatment, including rapper Nirnaya Da’ NSK, Miraz Bakery, Thread Arts Nepal, Four Nation International, Diwas Entertainment, CEO of Aarawan Tech Dilip Paudel, Smart Service Inn’s Anjan Bhattarai, Holiday Inn Express, Ajay Adhikari Sushil, Miss Nepal Ashma Kumari KC, Miss Nepal Earth Sumana KC, former Miss Nepal Priyanka Rani Joshi, rapper Shekhar Wagle (Sidd Wagle), and Sudina Shrestha.

NCNP also launched their website at this event connecting the population to support, advocacy, and awareness programmes to fight cancer. The website links people to health facilities for early detection of cancer.