Dr. D. J. Jussawalla and Mr. Naval Tata founded Indian Cancer Society in 1951 as India’s first voluntary, non-profit organization for Awareness, Detection, Cure and Survivorship of Cancer affected people. Indian Cancer Society began its Karnataka chapter in 1986. It was started by Kishore Rao with a handful of volunteers, and today with its base in Bengaluru, ICS Karnataka has two outreach offices in Mangaluru and Kalaburagi.
How can you help?
Indian Cancer Society is always in need of motivated, dedicated volunteers to help spread the organization's message and participate in on-ground activities.
Indian Cancer Society is able to function on the strength of donations it gets. Every rupee donated goes a long way in helping needy patients.
(As on 1st April 2025)
Current Initiatives and Updates
By Alpa Dharamshi Today’s counselling session left an imprint on my heart, one that I will carry with me for a long time. I had the honour of meeting a mother and daughter, both of them fighting their own battles…
By SATISH RAO – Prostate Cancer Survivor / Warrior and Volunteer at Indian Cancer Society, Bengaluru What is the Prostate gland ?? The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland in the male reproductive system, located below the bladder and in front…
A Challenging but Triumphant Personal Story of a Teacher The entire world changed when I was diagnosed with the big, scary “C” word - cancer. Life often moves so fast. Between work, family, and daily responsibilities, we rarely pause to…
By Ramendra Kumar I was diagnosed with stage II colon cancer in November 2021. Immediately after the verdict, I raved and ranted. I don’t smoke. I don’t drink. I’m healthy. I exercise regularly. So why me? I went through the…
By Alpa Dharamshi The lady was very beautiful looking and had long hair almost touching her knees. I couldn't resist myself, but my eyes immediately saw her beautiful black and silky hair. She looked very disturbed. She entered our…
By Alpa Dharamshi A cancer diagnosis changes lives. Feelings of shock, fear and uncertainty can overwhelm not only the patient but their entire family. A patient may react strongly to changes in the body, feel anxious about treatment and its…
Oncologists rarely pass a day without hearing a patient wonder “why me? Why did I get cancer?” As valid as the question is, rarely do we have an accurate answer. Most have lived their lives in moderation, perhaps never…
I vividly remember the day, as if it was just yesterday. I was preparing to go for a vacation when I first detected the lump. My mind was filled with an array of conflicting thoughts, as I had to catch…
Compassion fatigue is a condition characterized by emotional and physical exhaustion leading to a diminished ability to empathize or feel compassion for others, often described as the NEGATIVE COST OF CARING. It is sometimes referred to as secondary traumatic stress…
Connecting with a 52-year-old patient with advanced stage of Brain tumour proved to be a challenge. When prompted, she was able to share her thoughts, feelings and wishes. She talked in a feeble voice about her belief of a speedy cure…
By Alpa Dharamshi - The lady was very beautiful looking and had long hair almost touching her knees. I couldn’t resist myself, but my eyes immediately saw...
By Ramendra Kumar - I looked at my wife, Madhavi, and my children, Ankita and Aniket, and I found their faces crumpled. It was as if they were seeing my own death...
Kishore Rao started Indian Cancer Society, Karnataka, in 1986 as a voluntary organisation, and today ICS has offices in Kalaburagi and Mangaluru besides Bengaluru. In 1994 he started Karunashraya in partnership with Rotary Bangalore Indiranagar- a shining example of a cancer hospice across the country. Kishore has been in the not-for-profit sector for the last 35 years.
Jannet Maria Jibu is an MSW graduate in Clinical and Community Practice from Christ University, Bangalore, with a background in Psychology from Delhi University.
Jannet interned at leading hospitals and NGOs, working across mental health, disability support, and women’s rights.
Her passion lies in community upliftment and inclusive care. Jannet brings empathy, initiative, and leadership to every project she takes up.
Dr. Pavithra is an Ayurveda physician holding a BAMS degree from Ramakrishna Ayurveda Medical College, Bangalore. She also has an additional certification, a PG Diploma in clinical research.
With a strong foundation in Ayurvedic medicine and clinical research, Dr. Pavithra brings a unique blend of traditional and evidence-based approaches to healthcare.
Dr. Pavithra specializes in providing adjuvant care, supportive, palliative, end-of-life care, and post-cancer survivorship, contributing to holistic cancer care through Ayurveda.
Dr. Pavan Kumar. H (BDS) graduated in 2024, worked as a consultant Dentist in Ballari, Karnataka, and worked as an Associate Dentist at Swaraj Dental Clinic in Bangalore. He is presently working as a project consultant for TCC at ICS Bangalore.
Dr. Pavan believes in working as a team to reach greater heights. He believes in the core values of positive attitude, optimism and self-respect. He is interested in reading digital medical journals and spending time by researching innovations in digital dentistry.
Dr. Swathi D Acharya, holds a BAMS degree and currently serves as Programme Coordinator at Indian Cancer Society, Bangalore.
With over 5 years of experience in the medical field, her career included roles such as Medical Officer at Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail Bangalore, Duty Medical Officer at Pragathi Multi-speciality Hospital Mangalore and RBSK Medical Officer at NRHM Mangalore. Dr. Swathi enjoys drawing and reading books, which complement her passion for holistic well-being.
I am a native of Kalaburagi, with an MSW completed in 2022 and an HRM in 2024. Post graduation, I gained valuable experience working with an NGO dedicated to orphan rehabilitation and have explored various other sectors.
Driven by a passion for public service, I found the ideal platform at ICS, where I joined as a Medical Social Worker in May 2024 to contribute to public health. In my free time, I enjoy reading magazines, newspapers, and listening to music for relaxation.
Shrinidhi N. Naikal is an alumnus of Nutan Vidyalaya Commerce College, Kalaburagi. He has served as a Senior Coordinator in the magazine section of Ramoji Film City, and was the Regional Coordinator at Blue Star India Ltd., Hyderabad. Shrinidhi has volunteered at ICS from 2007 uptil June 2023. From June 2023, Shrinidhi has taken the role of the Regional Coordinator at ICS, Kalaburagi.
Dr. Ashwini from Kalaburgi graduated with a BAMS degree in 2023. She then interned at the HCG Cancer Hospital, Bangalore and gaining valuable experience in Radiation Oncology. She has participated in multiple medical camps with ICS with focus on community health and cancer awareness. Dr. Ashwini is a Project Coordinator at ICS, Kalaburagi since August 2024 and is committed to promote cancer prevention. Dr. Ashwini is a passionate singer and a state level Yoga player.
Dr. Guru Suhas. P has an undergraduate degree in Dental Sciences from Oxford College of Dental Sciences Bangalore and followed it up with a Masters in Public Health Dentistry from Bangalore Institute of Dental Sciences. He then worked as faculty in Maruthi Dental College. He joined the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) as a Project scientist for little over two years. He has now found his passion in Indian Cancer Society and wants to help spread awareness about cancer.