CFI is a journey of 21 years and beyond

Way back, on one wintry evening of February 2002, CFI was a stray idea discussed over a casual conversation. And 21 years hence it has become a pioneering NGO for Cancer Prevention in India. For many CFI is a small NGO that has broken several boundaries that many thought it would not. Prof. Maqsood Siddiqi, Founder Chairman, envisioned CFI as a platform for multidisciplinary activities on cancer prevention which lent it a unique structure that many felt was ahead of time. The very thought of breaking the conventional charity model of service delivery made CFI unique.

Over these years CFI forayed into working for cancer public health across regions and across cancers. Prevention and Control of Cervical Cancer, Early diagnosis of Breast Cancer and Tobacco control remains the focal point of CFI’s activities. Despite the limitation of financial and human resources, CFI made its presence felt through its evidence-based approach to cancer prevention. The professional team delivered community activities in 6 districts of Bengal and 6 states of North Eastern India. Over 7,000 doctors have benefitted through its specialized capacity building workshops on cancer prevention, over 12,800 women screened for cervical cancer, 1,089 young girls successfully vaccinated with HPV vaccine, and thousands sensitized on cancer prevention. Policy advocacy for HPV Vaccination, Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Tobacco control in India are making the highest impact in the sector. Having hosted celebrated Nobel laureates and several eminent scientists CFI has conducted several national-level symposia and workshops. Being a DSIR recognized SIRO for the past 9 years, an invited full member of UICC (2016-18) and with active involvement in policy making national committees and international groups empowers CFI to tread boldly into the future.

Under Prof. Siddiqi’s leadership CFI continues to motivate young talents to discover cancer prevention as a means of serving society.