The SCRICON 2025 Conference, held from 11th–13th July 2025 in Ahmedabad, brought together leading specialists in surgical oncology, cancer rehabilitation, and research to share knowledge and advance patient care. Among the distinguished faculty invited to this prestigious event was Dr. Dipali Vaghela, Onco-Physiotherapist and Lymphedema Specialist, who was honored to participate as a panelist in the Head and Neck Cancer Symposium on Friday, 11th July 2025.

Session Highlights

• Date & Time: 11th July 2025, 07:25 PM – 07:55 PM

• Session: Head and Neck Cancer

• Topic: Early Rehabilitation of Oral Cancer Patients

• Role: Panelist

During this symposium, Dr. Vaghela contributed her expertise on how early intervention and rehabilitation can significantly improve the quality of life for patients recovering from oral cancer. She emphasized that rehabilitation should begin as soon as possible after surgery or treatment, rather than being delayed until complications arise.

Key Takeaways from Dr. Vaghela’s Panel Contribution

• Early Rehabilitation Benefits: Prevents long-term disability, reduces complications such as trismus, lymphedema, and swallowing difficulties, and supports faster return to daily life.

• Multidisciplinary Approach: Collaboration between surgeons, oncologists, physiotherapists, and speech/swallow therapists ensures holistic recovery.

• Patient Empowerment: Teaching patients and families simple exercises and care techniques helps them stay active participants in their healing journey.

• Indian Context: In India, where oral cancer is highly prevalent due to tobacco use, early rehabilitation can bridge the gap between treatment success and quality survivorship.

Why This Matters

For oral cancer patients, the journey does not end with successful surgery or radiation. The aftermath—speech difficulties, facial swelling, restricted jaw movement, and emotional distress—can be just as challenging. Dr. Vaghela highlighted how timely physiotherapy and lymphedema management can transform survivorship, allowing patients to regain confidence, function, and dignity.

Dr. Vaghela’s Continued Commitment

Being invited as a Faculty Member at SCRICON 2025 reflects the growing recognition of rehabilitation sciences in oncology care. Dr. Vaghela remains dedicated to spreading awareness and providing evidence-based rehabilitation solutions that enhance both survival and quality of life for cancer patients.