Date : 26th December, 2025

One Day Awareness on Healing through science and movement new roads in cancer care and ageing

Date: 20^thDecember, 2025

Venue: 43 Purbalok EM Bypass Kalikapur Kolkata-700099

Dr. Esha Chakravarty (MSc Microbiology, MSc Cancer Biology, PhD Cancer Biology) has specialised in targeted cancer therapy since 2013. In the early stages of her career in the UK, she began developing novel therapeutic strategies for cancer and later undertook extensive research focused on designing new antibodies for ovarian cancer, with particular emphasis on identifying diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Her work resulted in publications in reputable high-impact journals, including Frontiers in Immunology.

Alongside mainstream therapeutic research, Dr. Chakravarty initiated an independent project exploring the potential of dance therapy in age-care and terminal illnesses such as cancer, in collaboration with CMIG. This work was presented under the Health Sciences category at the Gerontological Society of America.

In her lecture-cum-workshop held on 20 December, she addressed key aspects of geriatric oncology, generating awareness on why cancer in older adults require special clinical, psychosocial, and supportive care approaches. The session highlighted the unique challenges faced by elderly cancer patients, including frailty, co-morbidities, reduced treatment tolerance, and quality-of-life considerations, underscoring the need for holistic and patient-centred care models.

The workshop emphasised the crucial role of supportive therapies such as dance psychotherapy in cancer rehabilitation, recovery, and emotional well-being. Particular focus was given to how movement-based interventions can support physical confidence, emotional expression, and stress management, not only for patients but also for caregivers who often experience significant psychological and emotional burden.

The session was attended by caregivers, nurses, teaching professionals, and other medical and allied healthcare professionals. It provided an interactive platform for sharing real-life experiences from cancer survivors and caregivers, and received valuable input from medical professionals, enriching the discussion through multidisciplinary perspectives. The workshop also laid the foundation for follow-up initiatives and will be continued through further structured and practical programmes aimed at sustained engagement and impact in geriatric oncology care.