In memory of Dr. V. Shanta

The cancer research community in India lost a doyen of cancer care as Dr. V. Shanta, 93 years, passed away in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Dr. Shanta was the Chairperson of the Cancer Institute, Adyar- Chennai. She was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 2006.

“At 93, Dr. Shanta was active to the end. A month ago, she wrote to a science agency on a matter related to the cancer institute and was pleased that it was resolved. Her attention to detail, and caring were legendary. The great institution she has built will live and grow,” tweeted Prof. K. VijayRaghavan in her memory.

Born to a family with Noble Laureates, she went on to dedicate 50 years of her life to the mission of organizing care for cancer patients, studying the disease, its prevention and control and inspiring a generation of specialists in various aspects of oncological sciences. The Cancer Institute at Chennai owes its existence to her as she took it along with Dr. Krishnamurthi from what was a cottage with 12 beds to a leading Cancer Centre, now renown nationally and internationally.

Image: The “Sewagram-type huts” in 1954 to Cancer Institute in 2017

Here’s her response from an old interview when asked what has kept her going.

“The desire to do more and more. Being involved in cancer control, we realize that what has been done so far is infinitesimal compared to what still needs to be done.”
With those words of her, and the hope that this keeps the entire cancer community going, we wish strength to the family and her colleagues.