Dr.V Shanta - A Living Legend

One of India’s most respected oncologists, Dr. Shantha, is no more. Last year, ICT Academy published a Spotlight on her inspiring story. Interviewed by M. Shivakumar and written by V. Pattabhi Ram was my 10th of 2021.

Viswanathan Shanta (11 March 1927 – 19 January 2021) was an Indian oncologist and the chairperson of Adyar Cancer Institute, Chennai. She was best known for her efforts towards making quality and affordable cancer treatment accessible to all patients . Her work had her win several awards, including the Magsaysay Award, Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian award given by the Government of India. She served as a member of several national and international committees on health and medicine, including the World Health Organization's Advisory Committee on Health.

Shanta was born on 11 March 1927, at Mylapore, Chennai, into a distinguished family that included two Nobel Laureates, C.V. Raman (grand uncle) and S. Chandrasekar (uncle).

She did her schooling from National Girls High School (now Lady Sivaswami Ayyar Girls Higher Secondary School) and had always wanted to become a doctor. She did her pre degree in Presidency College. She did her (M.B.B.S) from the Madras Medical College in 1949, D.G.O. in 1952, and M.D. (in Obstetrics & Gynecology) in 1955.

She had got through the Public Service Commission examination and had been posted to the Women and Children Hospital. In the 1940s and 1950s, Indian women who entered the medical profession generally took obstetrics and gynecology, but Shanta wanted to be different. She decided to join the Cancer Institute instead, the institute began as a small, 12-bed cottage hospital with just a single building, minimal equipment and just two doctors, Shanta and Krishnamurthi. For three years she worked as honorary staff after which, the Institute offered to pay her Rs.200 per month and residence within the campus. She moved into the campus on 13 April 1955, and has remained there till her death.[

Dr. Shanta was a member of the Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission for Health. She was a strong advocate of early detection of cancer and the need to change public perception of the disease, especially the extreme fear and hopelessness associated with the disease. She was particularly critical of the metaphorical usage of the name of the disease to describe a dangerous and uncontrollable situation or one of hopelessness.

According to Dr. Shanta, three things are essential for the future. First is the need to detect cancer early. That’s half the battle won. There should be a network of early detection centers. We must ensure that the benefit of research reach everyone irrespective of social and economic status. More insurance for cancer is needed. We must make healthcare affordable, must help palliative care, and accelerate research practices to keep up with the latest advances, as these are tomorrow’s treatment. 

Though 92 years of age, she used to go to hospital twice a week.