Latest News
The BTFCC Hosts a blood drive in Janakpurdham, Nepal
On July, 18th 2020 the Binayatara Foundation Cancer Center in Janakpurdham, Nepal hosted a blood drive in coordination with the Red Cross Janakpurdham Branch. Throughout the day, twenty-four people donated blood with no major complications. The event was headed by our own Dr. Saurav Karna, along with the help of other BTFCC faculty. Read more here.
Dr. Suzita Hirachan Wins Best Abstract at BTF-ICC 2020
BTF hosted the 3rd Annual International Cancer Conference in Janakpur, Nepal. During the conference, we had 9 abstracts presented from experts all around the world. These abstracts centered around oncology in Nepal. All abstracts are published in The Journal Of Institute Of Medicine Nepal. BTF handed out an award for the best abstract presented:
ICC-NCEF Young Scientist Award – Dr. Suzita Hirachan For abstract “Prevalence of Molecular Subtypes of Breast Cancer in Nepal” Presented at the Binaytara Foundation
All abstracts presented can be found here.
Program Outcome Report from the 3rd Internation Cancer Conference
The 3rd International Cancer Congress (ICC20) was held in Janakpur, Nepal on March 6-7, 2020. This live-interactive educational activity was intended to improve the care of cancer patients in South Asia by educating cancer care providers about the latest developments in the field of cancer, and their applications in a local context. The meeting featured lectures and discussions among experts in the field of hematology and oncology, a scientific abstract presentation session, and updates from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and American Society of Hematology (ASH) annual meetings. This activity is the 3rd cancer conference organized by the Binaytara Foundation in Janakpur, Nepal. (Read More Here).
The Binaytara Foundation Cancer Center Introduces Department of Pathology, Run by Dr. Amit Thakur
In June of 2020, the Binaytara Foundation Cancer Center in Janakpur, Nepal, introduced a much-needed Pathology department. This department is head by an exceptional pathologist, Dr. Amit Thakur.
Pathology is critical to better treating and understanding chronic diseases, such as cancer, being the connection between research and clinical medicine. With Dr. Thakur, BTFCC can better diagnose patients’ cancer with proper diagnostic testing and biopsies. BTFCC will also attempt to research the cause of disease in the first place, to enhance how we serve and protect our communities.
With a pathology department, BTFCC will be one step closer to becoming a fully equipped cancer center. A greater understanding of the diseases we are fighting will give us many advantages for treating our patients. We hope to consistently evolve this department and add to the services that we provide, such as next-generation sequencing and treatments.
Binaytara Foundation Cancer Center Conducts the First Surgery for Kidney Cancer in Province 2 of Nepal
On June 11, 2020, Kailash Yadav walked in the doors of the Binaytara Foundation Cancer Center in Janakpurdham, Nepal looking for answers. The past month he had been experiencing extreme abdominal discomfort. Dr. Pamesh Jha later diagnosed Kailash with kidney cancer, and performed the first major surgery for kidney cancer in Province 2 of Nepal. (Read more here.)
Dr. Aboulafia’s Experience in Janakpurdham, Nepal
With the ominous shadow of COVID-19 looming very large just now, and as we all become immersed in this most important issue, I thought I would share my experiences with each of you on virtual paper. As you all are probably aware, Binay and Tara Shah convened the 3rd International Cancer Congress in Janakpur, Nepal on March 6th and 7th. They invited me to attend and extended to me further courtesies, asking me to give a general talk on lymphoma and to help organize a research symposium for the Binaytara Foundation Cancer Center. As the newest member to the BTFCC board, and most assuredly, the most ignorant of global health concerns, I jumped at the opportunity. Little did I realize the anxiety I was to experience just in the days before my trip as I perseverated about our weak US public health response to Coronavirus and the damaging remarks that were flying out of Washington, DC. Watching events coming from Wuhan, China and South Korea, and the emergence of the virus in Europe was also not helpful and added to my heightened state of anxiety. (Read More Here.)
Our Intern Carlotta Shares her Experience in Janakpur, Nepal
On February 12th I embarked on a journey that would take me halfway across the world. My month in Nepal was everything I expected if not more; I have personally, professionally, and culturally gained so much that it is hard to put down into word. The main purpose of my visit to Nepal was to visit the Binaytara Foundation Cancer Center in Janakpur, where I would conduct research on palliative care; but I also had the opportunity to visit other parts of Nepal and see a beautiful and diverse country. (Read More Here.)
First Breast Cancer Awareness Walk Held in Janakpur, Nepal
October is breast cancer awareness month. The Binaytara Foundation Cancer Center in Janakpur, Nepal, organized the region’s first ever Breast Cancer Awareness Walk on October 18th, 2019. Nearly 200 participants including the local Health Minister of Province 2 of Nepal, Mr. Nabal Kishor Sah, the Mayor of Janakpur, Mr. Lal Kishor Sah, surgical oncologist Professor Y.P. Singh, and BTF President Dr.Binay Shah, participated in the walk.
Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers among Nepali women, however, due to lack of awareness and access to care, most women are diagnosed at a very late stage with poor outcomes. The BTFCC aims to reduce mortalities and morbidities associated with breast cancer and many other cancers through early diagnosis, treatments, and supportive care.
Washington nurses volunteer at Binaytara Foundation Cancer Center in Nepal
Three Washington Nurses and several other volunteers from Seattle area recently traveled to traveled to the Binaytara Foundation Cancer Center (BTFCC) in Janakpur, Nepal in late August to volunteer and train the staff there.
Tina Hoxie, a nurse navigator at PeaceHealth United General Medical Center in Sedro Woolley, WA traveled to the Binaytara Foundation Cancer Center (BTFCC) in Janakpur, Nepal in late August along with Jacob Hoxie, Mason Bakke, and Nikki Hoestra of Anacortes, WA.
Oncology nurses Leeann Nakken and Mary Rogers visited the Binaytara Foundation Cancer Center in mid-October and provided training to the staff. In low income countries like Nepal, these kinds of continuous training and guidance from experienced providers from the United States and other parts of the world will significantly improve quality of care and help patient outcomes.
Sedro-Woolley School District Raises $849.31 for the Binaytara Foundation Cancer Center
Sedro-Woolley High School Students organized a car wash and raised $849.31 for the Binaytara Foundation Cancer Center in Janakpur, Nepal. The money raised by the Sedro-Woolley students will support cancer screening and treatment. BTF President Dr. Binay Shah states “I have been practicing in Sedro Woolley for more than 3 years; I recognize the cancer disparities in the U.S. and globally. I am very thankful that Sedro-Woolley High School Students have joined us in supporting the Binaytara Cancer Center in Nepal.”
SCHD20 will be held at Hyatt Bellevue on April 3-4, 2020
The 2020 Summit on National and Global Cancer Health Disparities (SCHD20) will be held at Hyatt Bellevue on April 3-4, 2020. SCHD20 will feature lectures, discussions, and presidential election style debate on pressing healthcare topics. Visit the conference website to learn more and to register to attend SCHD20.
BTF will host 2019 ASH® Annual Meeting Review in February 2020
The Binaytara Foundation will host the American Society of Hematology’s 2019 Annual meeting review at the Coeur d’Alene Resort, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho on February 1, 2020. Registration for ASH review 2020 is now open and more information including faculty and program agenda can be found on the conference website – https://icaho.binayfoundation.org
Announcing BTFCC’s 3rd International Cancer Congress
The Binaytara Foundation Cancer Center in Janakpur, Nepal is putting on the 3rd International Cancer Congress March 6-7, 2020. Submit an abstract by December 15th, 2019. This international cancer conference features renowned faculty from the United States, Nepal and India aimed to improve cancer care of patients in South Asia.
Videos now available; 
BTF Held The 2nd Cancer Disparity Summit in Seattle, WA on April 27-28, 2019
Seattle, WA – The Binaytara Foundation organized the 2019 Summit on National and Global Cancer Health Disparities (SCHD19) on April 27-29,2019 in Seattle, WA. Program director and the BTF president Dr. Binay Shah inaugurated SCHD19 which was chaired by Dr. Gary Lyman and Dr. Julie Gralow of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.
Over 150 delegates and speakers, some of the nationally renowned cancer disparity experts and advocates among them, from the United States, Canada, and other parts of the world attended this two day summit that featured lectures, round-table discussions, and a debate on “single payer versus multiplayer healthcare” among various stakeholders. SCHD19 provided CME and Nursing continuing education credits for participating physicians and nurses.
Fundraising Gala & BTF Humanitarian Award
Seattle, WA – On April 27, 2019, the Binaytara Foundation organized its first fundraising gala to support the Binaytara Foundation Cancer Center in Nepal. This event was held on the evening of the first day of SCHD19 and was attended by several Seattle area residents as well as participants of SCHD19. The Binaytara Foundation also awarded its first Humanitarian Award – “The Binaytara Foundation Humanitarian Award 2019” to Dr. Damiano Rondelli during this event. Dr. Rondelli is the Michael Reese Professor of Hematology at the University of Illinois Medical Center in Chicago, and has served as the board member of the Binaytara Foundation in the past. He was instrumental in establishing the BTF supported Bone Marrow Transplant Center at Civil Service Hospital in Nepal. In addition to Nepal, he is also actively working to improve access to BMT services in India, Cuba, several countries in Africa, and East Europe.
During his award acceptance speech, Dr. Rondelli stated that his first visit to Nepal in 2011 to participate in the BTF organized cancer conference changed his life as he developed interest in global health and started actively working on it. Dr. Rondelli has participated in almost all of the medical conferences organized by the Binaytara Foundation in the US and abroad.
The 2nd Northwest Cancer Climb
Bow, Wash. – The 2nd Annual Northwest Cancer Climb occurred on March 30, 2019. We had over 100 hikers come out and hike to the top of Oyster Dome trail as a part of this BTF fundraiser. It was a beautiful, sunny day, and all together we raised $8430 including $5000 in grants, $2630 in registration fees, and $800 donations/pledges to help fund the Binaytara Foundation Cancer Center in Janakpur, Nepal. We want to thank everyone who supported this event, and are looking forward to our next climb!
Recap of the 6th NWCS
Bellingham, Wash. – The 6th Northwest Cancer Patient Summit took place on March 16, 2019. We had a total of 39 attendees come learn about various aspects of managing cancer. Dr. Binay Shah gave a talk on new updates in immunotherapy. Dr. VK Gadi spoke on targeted therapy in breast cancer, and Dr. Alexei Polishchuk presented on symptoms of cancer recurrence. Finally, Erin Paschall of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society provided tips for staying financially sound during cancer treatment. Our next NWCS will be July 27, 2019, so mark your calendars!
Representative Bobby Rush joins SCHD19 Debate Panel
SEATTLE, Wash. – Rep. Bobby Rush will join the debate “Single-payer vs. Multi-payer Healthcare in America” as a panelist during the 2019 Summit on National and Global Cancer Health Disparities.
Binaytara Foundation adds Dr. Gralow to board of directors
SEATTLE, Wash. — Dr. Julie Gralow, director of breast medical oncology at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, has joined the board of directors of the Binaytara Foundation, an international cancer health nonprofit based in Washington state. Continue reading.
Training continues for India hospice and palliative care project
Madhya Pradesh, India — The Binaytara Foundation through early 2019 will provide hospice and palliative care training to about 60 nurses in the state of Madhya Pradesh in India as part of its ambitious project to establish those services throughout the entire state. Continue reading.
Nationally renowned oncologists to chair Seattle cancer disparities conference, SCHD19
BELLINGHAM, Wash. – The 2019 Summit on National and Global Cancer Health Disparities will be chaired by Dr. Gary Lyman, Co-Director of the Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research, and Dr. Julie Gralow, the Director of Breast Medical Oncology at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Continue reading.
Larry King joins SCHD19 as debate moderator
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — The 2019 Summit on National & Global Cancer Health Disparities will feature two debates moderated by Larry King. The debates will cover the topics “Improving Access to Care: #singlepayer versus #multipayer healthcare” and “Reform in #FDA drug approval process: Is it desirable?” Continue reading.
Abstracts published from the 2018 Summit on National & Global Cancer Health Disparities
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Abstracts presented at the 2018 Summit on National and Global Cancer Health Disparities have been published in Anticancer Research journal. Click here to view the complete publication.
Binaytara Foundation to establish comprehensive cancer center in Nepal
RAMGOPALPUR, Nepal — The Binaytara Foundation, an international health nonprofit based in Washington state, has partnered with the city of Ramgopalpur in Nepal to establish the region’s first public comprehensive cancer center, which will serve about 20,000 patients annually from Nepal and its neighbor India. Continue reading.
Binaytara Foundation hosts 4th Northwest Cancer Patient Summit
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — The Binaytara Foundation hosted the Fourth Northwest Cancer Patient Summit on June 16, 2018, at PeaceHealth St. Luke’s Community Health Education Center. Continue reading.
NW Cancer Climb hikers raise over $4,000 Summiting Oyster Dome
BOW, Wash. — Nearly 90 hikers summited Oyster Dome on March 31 during the inaugural Northwest Cancer Climb, raising over $4,000 to help improve cancer care in resource-poor communities worldwide. Continue reading.
U.S. Rep. Adam Smith participates in live debate on rising cost of cancer care
SEATTLE — U.S. Rep. Adam Smith participated in a live debate on who’s to blame for the rising cost of cancer care during the 2018 Summit on National and Global Cancer Health Disparities held April 28–29 in Seattle. Continue reading.
Binaytara Foundation establishes hospice, palliative care training center in India
UJJAIN, Madhya Pradesh — The Binaytara Foundation, an international cancer health nonprofit based in Washington State, established the first home hospice and palliative care training center in February in Madhya Pradesh, India, a state of 73 million. Continue reading.
‘Seven Summits’ mountaineer Dave Mauro participates in NW Cancer Climb
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Dave Mauro, a Bellingham resident and mountaineer who has summited the highest peak on every continent, participated March 31 in the Northwest Cancer Climb at Blanchard Mountain. Continue reading.
Binaytara Foundation provides free cancer patient education
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — The Binaytara Foundation hosted the Northwest Cancer Patient Summit on Feb. 3, 2018, at PeaceHealth St. Luke’s Community Health Education Center. Continue reading.
Binaytara Foundation Hosts Hospice and Palliative Care Summit in Nepal
JANAKPUR, Nepal – The Binaytara Foundation, a cancer health nonprofit based in Washington, hosted its first Hospice and Palliative Care Summit from 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 24 in Janakpur, Nepal, to educate local health care providers about the importance of those services. Continue reading.
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