Viswanathan Shanta, Oncologist
Oncologist

Viswanathan Shanta

Born 11 March 1927 · Tamil Nadu — Died 19 January 2021

Led the Adyar Cancer Institute to provide affordable cancer treatment across India.

Viswanathan Shanta was an Indian oncologist and the chairperson of the Adyar Cancer Institute, Chennai. She is best known for her efforts towards making quality and affordable cancer treatment accessible to all patients in her country. She dedicated herself to the mission of organizing care for cancer patients, study of the disease, research on its prevention and cure, spreading awareness about the disease, and developing specialists and scientists in various subspecialties of oncology. Her work won her several awards, including the Magsaysay Award, Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian award given by the Government of India.

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A detail that
surprised us

“

Dr. Shanta lived on the Cancer Institute campus continuously from 1955 until her passing in 2021, embodying her commitment to patient care.

The Story

1
In April 1955, Dr. Viswanathan Shanta chose to join the fledgling Cancer Institute in Chennai, a modest 12-bed facility, instead of accepting a government post, marking the start of over six decades dedicated to cancer care.
2
🌟 By 1980, she became the director of the Cancer Institute, transforming it from a small cottage hospital into a comprehensive center with 617 beds and advanced treatment facilities by the late 20th century.
3In 1981, Dr. Shanta established the Madras Metropolitan Tumour Registry, setting a precedent for population-based cancer data collection in India, which helped tailor cancer control strategies regionally.
4🌍 From 1986 to 2005, she served on the WHO Advisory Committee on Cancer, influencing global health policies while maintaining a focus on affordable cancer treatment in India.

🏅 Awards & Honours

—
Padma Bhushan
—
Padma Vibhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

“

In 1981, Dr. Shanta founded the Madras Metropolitan Tumour Registry, which became a model for cancer data collection internationally and remains a key resource for Chennai’s cancer statistics.

🖼️

Through the Years

1 photograph from the archives
Dr. Viswanathan Shanta receiving the Padma Vibhushan Award from President Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi (2016).
Dr. Viswanathan Shanta receiving the Padma Vibhushan Award from President Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi (2016).
2016

🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Born in Mylapore, Chennai
Viswanathan Shanta was born into a distinguished scientific family including Nobel laureates C.V. Raman and S. Chandrasekhar.
1927
📚
Education
Completed MBBS at Madras Medical College
Graduated MBBS and began medical career focusing initially on obstetrics and gynecology.
1949
⚡
Career
Joined Adyar Cancer Institute
Chose to join the 12-bed Cancer Institute as Resident Medical Officer, living on campus from this date.
1955
⚡
Career
Appointed Director of Cancer Institute
Led the institute’s expansion and modernization from 1980 to 1997, increasing capacity and research scope.
1980
⚡
Career
Founded Madras Metropolitan Tumour Registry
Established population-based cancer registry contributing to national cancer surveillance efforts.
1981
⚡
Career
Opened hereditary cancer clinic
Launched India’s first clinic addressing genetic cancer risks, expanding the scope of oncology care.
2000
🕊️
Death
Passed away at Cancer Institute
Dr. Shanta died on the institute campus where she had lived and worked since 1955.
2021
More moments to come...
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 04
👤PERSONAL

Despite qualifying for a government medical post after her MD in 1955, Dr. Shanta chose an honorary position with a then-small Cancer Institute, receiving just Rs. 200 monthly and living on campus.

02 / 04
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

Dr. Shanta was related to two Nobel laureates: Sir C.V. Raman as her grand uncle and astrophysicist Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar as her uncle, linking her to India’s scientific elite.

03 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

She introduced combination chemotherapy trials in India during the early years of her career, pioneering oral cancer treatment protocols tailored to Indian patients.

“

Fear not cancer diagnosis, but its delay.

— Viswanathan Shanta

🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
Not For Women Only | Meet Dr. Shanta, CV Raman's Grand Niece & A Cancer Crusader For Six Decades
·YouTube
More from this archive
Not For Women Only | Meet Dr. Shanta, CV Raman's Grand Niece & A Cancer Crusader For Six Decades
01
Not For Women Only | Meet Dr. Shanta, CV Raman's Grand Niece & A Cancer Crusader For Six Decades
YouTube
Dr. V. Shanta is a miracle worker spreading the message of hope : BS Raghavan
02
Dr. V. Shanta is a miracle worker spreading the message of hope : BS Raghavan
YouTube
Cancer - Myth and Facts - In conversation with Dr V Shanta (Adayar Institute Chairman)
03
Cancer - Myth and Facts - In conversation with Dr V Shanta (Adayar Institute Chairman)
YouTube
லட்சக்கணக்கான புற்றுநோயாளிகளைக் குணப்படுத்தி சாதித்து காட்டியவர் சாந்தா! | Dr Shanta Death | Adyar
04
லட்சக்கணக்கான புற்றுநோயாளிகளைக் குணப்படுத்தி சாதித்து காட்டியவர் சாந்தா! | Dr Shanta Death | Adyar
YouTube
Centre should provide funds for cancer research: Dr. Shanta
05
Centre should provide funds for cancer research: Dr. Shanta
YouTube
மருத்துவர் சாந்தாவின் இழப்பு ஈடுசெய்ய முடியாத பேரிழப்பு- கண் கலங்கும் ஊழியர்கள் | Dr Shanta
06
மருத்துவர் சாந்தாவின் இழப்பு ஈடுசெய்ய முடியாத பேரிழப்பு- கண் கலங்கும் ஊழியர்கள் | Dr Shanta
YouTube

🌱 What changed because of them

Dr. Viswanathan Shanta redefined cancer care in India by transforming the Adyar Cancer Institute into a world-class treatment and research center, setting standards for affordable oncology services. Her establishment of the Madras Metropolitan Tumour Registry influenced nationwide cancer surveillance, while her advocacy for early detection and pediatric oncology created frameworks still used across India. Her work helped integrate cancer treatment with community outreach, making care accessible beyond urban centers.

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