In India, gynecologic oncologists are at the forefront of a transformative healthcare journey. With their dedication, gynecologic oncologists are reshaping cancer care not just in India but across the globe. They are ensuring better outcomes and sparking a wave of awareness by offering hope and improved outcomes to countless patients. Dr Priya Ganeshkumar is a renowned Gynaecologist, preventive oncologist, colposcopist, laparoscopist, and fertility specialist with over 30 years of professional experience. As the Chairperson of the Gynecologic Oncology Committee, FOGSI (2021– 2024), and Medical Director of Sainiwas Health Care, a pioneering chain of 65 Preventive Oncology Centers across India, she has screened over 2 lakh women, saving thousands from cervical and breast cancer progression. A trailblazer in introducing advanced colposcopy techniques, she has performed over 50,000 colposcopies and remains committed to her mission of making India cervical cancer-free through comprehensive education, screening, and treatment programs.

An alumnus of the prestigious Grant Medical College and J.J. Group of Hospitals, Mumbai, she holds an MBBS, DGO, DFP, and MD degrees, alongside specialized training in Preventive Oncology and Colposcopy from the Thakurpurkur Cancer Institute, Kolkata. She further honed her expertise through a fellowship from Indian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (FICOG) and advanced academic qualifications from the USA. Her early career focused on high-risk obstetrics, infertility management, and laparoscopy, but her dedication to preventive oncology over the past two and a half decades has been groundbreaking.

Dr Priya’s dedication to preventive oncology, particularly in the early detection and treatment of cervical precancerous conditions, stems from her early career observations. She noticed a concerning trend, where many women were diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer despite the presence of identifiable precancerous stages that could span decades. This realization fueled her passion for colposcopy, an underutilized yet crucial tool. Committed to addressing the knowledge gap, she promoted colposcopy as an essential part of routine gynecological practice, advocating for its widespread adoption. “Early detection is not just a practice, it’s a promise to every woman’s future”, emphasizes Dr Priya Ganeshkumar.

Dr Priya leads a dynamic team across two units in Thane and Delhi. In addition to skilled nursing and admin staff, they have lab directors, technicians, general managers, and separate teams for instrument division and media management. Her leadership style is rooted in passion and empathy. She believes in encouraging and empowering her team, acknowledging even the smallest efforts to foster a sense of ownership and leadership in every individual. Rather than enforcing directives, she supports and guides her team from behind, helping them take responsibility and grow. With a strong human touch, her organization has built a family-like atmosphere, where employees feel valued and supported, making them loyal and committed to the organization’s vision and success.

She collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to provide holistic care, focusing on early detection and individualized treatment. Through workshops, fellowships, and her textbooks, she has trained countless medical professionals, shifting the landscape of preventive oncology and ensuring the integration of colposcopy into standard gynecological care in India and globally. Her work has had a lasting impact on the field.

Significantly, Dr Priya has actively contributed to the development of AI technologies, creating tools for nurses and paramedics to use in community-level screenings, with referrals made for further consultation. She was the convenor for FOGSI Good Clinical Practice Recommendations (GCPR). She collaborates with organizations to ensure protocols evolve with the latest advancements, ensuring that preventive oncology remains at the forefront of medical innovation. As Master Trainer for State Govt. of MP for NCD Cancer prevention program under Ayushman Bharath GOI, she was instrumental in training the Medical Officers of MP state Govt, designing protocols for cervical cancer screening and management.

Dr Priya Ganeshkumar aspires to impact millions more lives and contribute to creating a cervical cancer-free India, achieving her goal of ‘Cervical Cancer Mukta Bharat’

Milestones and Future Vision
With numerous awards, including the TOP CMO AWARD 2021 as Industry leaders in Healthcare from CEO Insights magazine, Asia Pacific Medical Excellence Award from International Institute of Education & Management (IIEM) in 2023, Thane Gaurav Award and the National Swasthya Award presented by Union Minister J P Nadda, Dr Priya has made significant contributions to women’s health across India and internationally.

Through her Swasthya Sundar Nari, Prevent the Preventable (SSNPP) campaign and leadership as Chair of FOGSI’s Oncology Committee, she has educated over 30,000 gynecologists on HPV vaccination, screening, and treatment. Her efforts align with WHO’s goal to eliminate cervical cancer, making preventive oncology mainstream and widely accepted.

Significantly, Sainiwas Healthcare has championed cervical cancer elimination in rural Adivasi villages of Thane and Raigad districts through CSR initiatives for over two decades. With 65 centers across India, SNHC has screened 1.5 lakh women, preventing over 30,000 cases of cervical cancer by treating precancerous conditions using ablative and excisional methods, thereby avoiding unnecessary hysterectomies.

A notable case involved a 55-year-old woman from Jaunpur, UP, advised for hysterectomy after an LSIL PAP result. Concerned, her son sought a second opinion from Dr Priya Ganeshkumar in Mumbai. She skillfully resolved a complex diagnosis, preventing an unwarranted hysterectomy with her expertise and patented instruments.

Looking ahead, Dr Priya envisions expanding the organization globally, with ongoing projects in Qatar and Poland. Her future goal is to establish a state-of-the-art cancer hospital, focusing on both curative and preventive oncology, offering radiation, chemo, and palliative care for all types of cancers. Beyond professional growth, she aims to address mental health challenges among healthcare professionals, advocating for a balance between work, spirituality, and family life. Ultimately, she aspires to impact millions more lives and contribute to creating a cervical cancer-free India, achieving her goal of ‘Cervical Cancer Mukta Bharat’.

“My advice to young medical professionals interested in gynecological oncology is to prioritize preventive oncology. Don’t ignore the cervix, because it’s essential for detecting pre-cancerous conditions. Learn colposcopy and incorporate screening into your daily practice. Advise patients on screening, HPV vaccination, and early detection. Boldly treat pre-cancerous conditions without resorting to unnecessary hysterectomies. Take preventive oncology seriously, it can save lives”, concludes Dr Priya Ganeshkumar.

Awards & Certificates
•Thane Gaurav Mayor Award 2016
•Zee Hindustan Swasthya Award 2017
•Inspiring Gynaecologists of North India -Economic Times 2018
•IMACON Excellence Award 2019
•Wonder FOGSIAN Award 2019
•Top CMO Award - CEO Insights 2021
•Certificate of Contribution - IVA World Congress 2022
•Most Dynamic Gynae-Oncologist of the Year - Golden Aim Conference Awards 2022
•International FOGSI Achiever Award 2023
•Asia Pacific Medical Excellence Award 2023
•American Cancer Society Award 2023-24
•Healthcare Pinnacle Award - Healthcare Heroes of India