Fighting cancer, together.
about us
The Indore Cancer Foundation (ICF) is a not-for-profit, charitable organization working in the field of cancer. It is registered under the Madhya Pradesh Public Trust Act, 1951.
The Indore Cancer Foundation (ICF), the brainchild of Dr. Digpal Dharkar, was launched on December 27th, 1988, in the presence of Dr. Jatin P. Shah, then Professor and Chief of Head and Neck Service at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York; the late Mr. Sunil Dutt, former M.P. from Mumbai; Mr. Surendra Wadhwani, Hong Kong; and prominent citizens of Indore.
Our Initiatives
Cancer Sanket App
Cancer Registry
Digital Library
Tumor Board
Indian Institute of Head and Neck Oncology (IIHNO)
The Indian Institute of Head and Neck Oncology (IIHNO), a charitable initiative under the Indore Cancer Foundation, is dedicated to providing equitable access to advanced cancer treatment. Established in 1995 as a radiotherapy facility, IIHNO has evolved into a comprehensive cancer care center, offering cutting-edge therapies like 3DCRT, IMRT, and the state’s first photobiomodulation therapy for managing radiation side effects. Facilities include a modular OT, a CT scan unit, a high-tech biochemistry lab, a digital radiology system, and supportive care services with a multidisciplinary team to improve treatment outcomes. Amenities like an affordable in-house pharmacy, shuttle service, and weekly tumor board meetings ensure holistic patient care, driven by collective philanthropy.
our Diagnostics and Clinical Services
Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy
Supportive Care
Computer Radiograpy
Ultrasonography
Pathology Laboratory
IIHNO Pharmacy
Message from the Chairman Emeritus, Indore Cancer Foundation Charitable Trust
Dr. Jatin Shah
MD, PhD, DSc, FACS, MAMSE,
FRCS (Hon), FDSRCS (Hon), FRCSDS (Hon), FRCSI (Hon), FRACS (Hon)
Prof of Surgery, E W Strong Chair in Head and Neck Oncology,
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA
The reflections from a dream come true
The year was 1987, when a well-trained cancer surgeon from India, Dr. Digpal Dharkar, was visiting Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer center to acquire new knowledge, and be familiar with the inner workings of a multidisciplinary comprehensive cancer center. He had a dream and a resolve, to develop a national center for India’s commonest cancers, the head and neck cancers, and to bring scientific treatment of cancer within the reach of every patient irrespective of socio-economic status.
He returned to India in 1988, and began the journey with the opening of the doors of Indore Cancer Center Foundation (ICF) Charitable Trust in December 1988.
I had the Honor and privilege to serve on it’s Board of permanent Trustees, since it’s inception, and now that I am stepping aside to pass the Baton to young progressive, energetic and enthusiastic leaders, it is time for to reflect back and share with you, what it took to make Dr. Dharkar’s dream a reality, to what it is to day.
The goal of the ICF from the outset was to provide access to cancer care for the resource challenged patients, increase awareness about the disease, early detection and training program for Doctors, Nurses and all allied personnel, in the remote locations adjacent to major metropolitan areas, thru government, philanthropic and grant support.
The penetration and successful organization of such outreach programs has been phenomenal over the past 35 years, with 234 cancer camps, 250 programs of awareness and 220 training programs for early detection and palliative care, in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan & Uttar Pradesh. The latest amongst these have been the screening programs for head and neck and breast cancers in collaboration with the state Government.
At the heart of this entire effort was to create a multidisciplinary comprehensive National center for mouth and throat cancers, “The Indian Institute of Head and Neck Oncology”. This has been a multi phased development program, which opened its doors for patients in August 1995. Much has been accomplished, but much more remains to be done. The Institute currently offers Radiotherapy, including 3DRT and IMRT, chemotherapy as well as radiology, biochemistry and pharmacy services. The surgical oncology wing with the latest equipment for a modular OT and an ICU are in the final stages of completion.
Concurrent with this is the introduction of supportive care services to ease the impact and sequela of cancer treatment, to improve the quality of life of patients. On the education and training front the Institute organizes weekly tumor Boards and offers a digital library to students at all levels.
The fruits of these efforts are, that as of now over 8000 patients have received radiotherapy and over 3500 patients had surgery. Many of these were totally free, meeting the goal of providing “access for proper cancer care to the resource challenged”. Clearly, support from government agencies, philanthropists and national and International organizations thru grants for research in education and health care in the community are crucial to accomplish the mission of ICF.
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Become A Volunteer
Be a source of hope and strength for those affected by cancer. Volunteers are the heart of our foundation, providing essential support to our programs and bringing comfort to patients and their families. Join our team and make a lasting impact in the fight against cancer.
Become A Volunteer
Be a source of hope and strength for those affected by cancer. Volunteers are the heart of our foundation, providing essential support to our programs and bringing comfort to patients and their families. Join our team and make a lasting impact in the fight against cancer.