Cancer is one of the worst disorders one can have. And, breast cancer tops this list which strikes millions of women every year, being the No. 1 reason for deaths! However, with the advancements made in the field, there are coming up a number of treatments and ways to cure this ailment, which is saving lives comparatively more than what was a few years back. But, have you ever thought about who was the main driving force behind such cancer research in India? In this blog, we will remember the untold legacy of such an Indian woman who is known to have shaped cancer research in India – Dr. Satyavati M Sirsat.
Born in 1925, in the age that was way before the IITs existed, Dr. Satyavati M Sirsat was leading microbiology and cancer research in India. She worked in the fields of cancer research pathology, wound healing and regeneration, viruses, and cancer for more than 50 years. In fact, all the studies based on clinical research that are registered in the Clinical Trials Registry of India can be rightfully called the fruit of her labour.
- Sirsat took up microbiology as a main area of study, for which she completed her bachelor’s and attained a degree from St. Xavier’s College in 1947.
- She then associated with the Tata Memorial Hospital for Cancer as a senior doctoral student, where she got involved at the Department of Pathology, when it was developed by the government into an independent Cancer Research Institute.
- After completing her PhD in 1958, Dr. Sirsat pursued further studies in electron microscopy at the Chester Beatty Research Institute in London, after which she established an electron miscroscopy lab at Indian Cancer Research Centre in India. This gave Indian researchers the first insight into the detailed cellular structure, and offered ways to diagnose diseases through the examination of molecules within organs. This led to the first study of molecular aspects of cancer, opening new pathways in cancer diagnosis, which were earlier impossible!
- Sirsat then founded The Electron Microscope Society of India, where she served as President from 1967 to 1972.
- After her completion of service at CRI in 1985, she worked with the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Ayurvedic Centre for 17 years.
- She also started India’s first hospice called Shanthu Avedna Ashram in Mumbai, where terminally ill cancer patients could come to attain their end in peace. She served such cancer patients until she could, and then left her souls at the age of 85 in the year 2010.
Her endeavours in scientific research have been acknowledged through various recognized awards. Many well-recognized journals have documented her contributions to scientific literature. And, she had also been on the Editorial Boards of several journals. Dr. Sirsat thus paved the way for scientific enquiry of cancers in India, the road that scientists ever since have walked on and reached today.
Dr. Satyavati M Sirsat earned such name and credibility for her work even when she took up the challenge to work in the cancer research field in the age before IITs and computers. But, you have even better opportunities to serve your country with your efforts and skills. You live in the age where everything is becoming faster and better with technology. You live in the age where you don’t need to move far across your home to receive the best quality education. In fact, you can easily enroll for Avigna Clinicla Research Institute’s online clinical research training, and learn from the best professors right from the comfort of your home! So, why don’t you take up the advantage and set up an incredible career in clinical research? You will not only benefit from your career, but will also help your country mates benefit from the newer and better researches you make in the field of medical science!
