Indian Cancer Society receives C Positive Award 2026 for impact in cancer care

MUMBAI: Recognition is the best medicine. Indian Cancer Society (ICS) has been honoured with the C Positive Award 2026 in the NGO Impact Award category, recognising its long-standing contribution to cancer awareness, early detection, patient care and rehabilitation across India.

The award was presented by Raman Gangakhedkar, former head scientist of epidemiology and communicable diseases at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), during a ceremony organised by the Rising India Research Foundation in association with the Texas School of Mental Health.

Founded as India’s first voluntary, non-profit organisation dedicated to cancer control, the Indian Cancer Society has spent 75 years working across the cancer care continuum. Its initiatives span public awareness campaigns, preventive healthcare, early diagnosis, treatment support, rehabilitation, advocacy and community outreach programmes aimed at improving access to cancer care.

Commenting on the recognition, Indian Cancer Society managing trustee and honorary secretary Usha Thorat said, “As Indian Cancer Society marks 75 years of service, this award reinforces its legacy of transforming countless lives through patient-centric programmes, preventive initiatives, and equitable access to cancer care.”

She added that the honour reaffirms the organisation’s collective efforts in cancer awareness, prevention, early detection, treatment support and rehabilitation, while strengthening its resolve to work with governments, institutions, healthcare professionals, communities and supporters to ensure that no one faces cancer alone.

The recognition comes as the Indian Cancer Society continues to expand its outreach and patient support initiatives, reinforcing the critical role non-profit organisations play in improving access to cancer care and reducing the disease’s burden across the country.