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It is with deep sorrow that the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) announces the passing of Dr Rengaswamy Sankaranarayanan, former Special Advisor on Cancer Control (2013–2017) and Head of the Section of Early Detection and Prevention (2009–2015). Dr Sankaranarayanan (known fondly as “Sankar” to his friends and colleagues) passed away on 3 August 2025, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of leadership in cancer control and unwavering dedication to reducing inequities in cancer prevention worldwide.
Dr Sankaranarayanan was a tireless advocate for cancer prevention and early detection. His legacy is etched in the lives of millions who have benefited from more accessible, affordable, and effective cancer control strategies around the world, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). His pioneering research on cervical cancer screening, particularly the validation of low-cost approaches such as visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, transformed global policies and practices. His work enabled LMICs to implement breast, cervical, and oral cancer screening programmes tailored to resource-constrained settings.
A radiation oncologist by training, Dr Sankaranarayanan began his career in India and dedicated more than four decades to cancer public health. His clinical insights, combined with pragmatism and a deep understanding of the implementation challenges in LMICs, allowed him to bridge the gap between scientific evidence and public health practice. He was instrumental in launching demonstration projects in Africa, Asia, and Latin America that laid the foundation for scalable and sustainable cancer control programmes. He was bestowed with several awards in recognition of his services in global oncology and cancer control, including the Paul P. Carbone Award for International Oncology, the Princess Lalla Salma International Prize by Morocco, and the Ernst Wertheim Prize by Austria.
Dr Sankaranarayanan authored more than 260 scientific publications and contributed to multiple World Health Organization (WHO) and IARC technical reports and guidelines. He was known not only for his scientific rigour but also for his humility, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to equity in cancer care. Countless young professionals and researchers from across the globe benefited from his guidance, generosity, and mentorship.
Dr Sankaranarayanan is survived by his wife Subhalakshmi Sankaranarayanan and son Vikram Sankaranarayanan. Sankar’s passing is an immeasurable loss to global health, but his vision – that no one should die from a preventable or treatable cancer because of where they live – will continue to inspire current and future generations of public health professionals.
IARC conveys its deepest and heartfelt condolences to Sankar’s family and friends. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
