Surbhi Grover, Perelman School of Medicine India Oncology Initiative

The Penn Center for Global Health (CGH), in concert with the Abramson Cancer Center, has identified oncology as a keystone global health initiative. CGH is engaged in a series of programs to develop oncology diagnosis, treatment, longitudinal care and training programs at multiple international locations, with primary focal points based in Botswana, Rwanda, Guatemala and most recently, Vietnam. This proposal builds upon the work to extend the footprint of global oncology through a strategic partnership with the Tata Cancer Center, a leading public oncology facility in India and its rural satellite in the northeast region of Punjab, India. The cancer burden in India is substantial, with more than 1 million new cases diagnosed every year and rates expected to rise in the coming years, in a population of more than 1.3 billion. Cancer mortality rates are expected to rise, owing to the late presentation of disease. This delay in diagnosis may arise from low levels of cancer awareness, poor access, stigma related to the disease, lengthy pathways to diagnosis, and financial barriers. Led by Dr. Surbhi Grover, Penn Medicine will partner with Tata Mumbai to develop and expand this initiative – studying models of quality and affordable oncology care delivery with Tata Cancer Canter in rural Punjab and beyond.