The fight against cancer is set to receive a major international boost in Kerala's capital. The Global Preventive Onco Summit (GPOS) 2026 will convene in Thiruvananthapuram, bringing the world's focus on stopping cancer before it starts. This premier international forum is scheduled to run from January 16 to 18, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency in the city.
Global Gathering for a Cancer-Free Future
This three-day Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme is designed as a critical platform for collaboration. It aims to assemble a powerful coalition of leading oncologists, public health experts, researchers, policymakers, and healthcare professionals from across India and numerous other countries. Their unified mission is to deliberate and develop actionable strategies dedicated to reducing the immense global burden of cancer.
The summit is being organized under the distinguished leadership of Dr. M V Pillai, who serves as the Chairman of GPOS 2026. He is supported by Dr. Mohanan Kunnummal as the General Convenor and Dr. Satheeshan Balasubramanian as the Working Chairman. This leadership team is committed to steering discussions toward tangible, life-saving outcomes.
Building on the 'Cancer Safe Kerala' Model
A core inspiration for the summit is the notable success of the 'Cancer Safe Kerala' initiative. GPOS 2026 seeks to amplify this model by strengthening the entire field of preventive oncology on a global scale. The agenda will heavily emphasize proven methods like early detection, community-based screening programmes, and evidence-driven public health interventions.
The summit's discussions will place a strong, practical emphasis on implementing effective population-level screening programmes and ensuring timely diagnosis. A key goal is to explore ways to seamlessly integrate preventive healthcare principles into mainstream medical practice worldwide, shifting the focus from solely treatment to proactive prevention.
A Platform for Action and Integration
Beyond discussions, GPOS 2026 is envisioned as a launchpad for concrete action. By fostering dialogue between researchers who create evidence, clinicians who apply it, and policymakers who can scale it, the summit aims to bridge critical gaps. The integration of advanced research with ground-level public health strategies will be a central theme, ensuring scientific advancements translate into community-wide protection.
The choice of Thiruvananthapuram as the host city underscores Kerala's pioneering role in public health and its commitment to becoming a model in cancer prevention. The outcomes of this summit are expected to influence healthcare policies and clinical practices not just in India, but for an international audience, contributing significantly to the global war on cancer.
