Targeted therapies emerging as front runners in breast cancer: Experts convene for YIR Kerala

KOCHI: As modern living changes the way we work and eat, medical experts are raising the alarm on the growing link between urban lifestyles and health risks. At the recently concluded ‘YIR Revisited- (Kerala Chapter) Breast Cancer, the year that was 2025,’ specialists warned that breast cancer rates are steadily climbing globally and across India, with a particularly noticeable surge in populated cities. This increase is attributed to changes in lifestyle and also possibly an increase in exposure to pollutants.

The conference, organised by the Cochin Oncology Group (COG) in association with the Nag Foundation, highlighted how sedentary habits, the prevalence of fast-food culture, and high stress levels at both work and home are significantly weakening immune systems. Doctors emphasised that a healthy immune system remains the most effective natural defence against the development of cancer, yet modern lifestyle changes in developing urban areas are increasingly compromising this protection.

Various path-breaking studies in Oncology published in 2025 were presented by experts and discussed in the panels.

Led locally by Dr Arun R. Warrier, Secretary of COG and Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology at Aster Medcity, the premier "Year in Review" (YIR) event brought together 100 oncologists to discuss the most vital scientific breakthroughs of 2025.

"Originally conceptualised 13 years ago to help busy specialists stay updated, this year’s YIR focused on smart targeted therapies. These advancements allow for more accurate diagnoses and treatments tailored to a patient's specific DNA, ensuring that the latest global medical science is directly applied to heal the community in Kerala,” said Dr Shona Nag, Director, Oncology of Sahyadri Hospital, Pune and Trustee of Nag Foundation, the academic partner of the meeting.