Dr Vishwanathan Shanta was a resolute Indian Oncologist , An influential cancer educator and a advocate of early detection and prevention of cancer . She ensured quality cancer care accessible and affordable to the poorest of the poor. Her passion for making a difference made her specialize in the male world of oncology when most female doctors chose gynecology.

HER Contribution to Cancer Care Landscape in India ;

* Transformed public perception of Cancer from incurable to curable one by removing the extreme fear and hopelessness associated with cancer.
* India's first programme for early detection of Cancer in rural areas.
* Created a pool of specialists and scientists to study subspecialities of oncology.
* Trained nurses to screen rural women for cervical cancer.
* Utilized increasing knowledge and technology in cancer care domain.
* As a Cancer crusader, she changed the face of cancer care in India by strongly advocating and enacting on this premise that "When the sick approach the gates of the institute, weak in body and spirit, and full of fear, there is only one response, you have to become one of them"

Change-Making Positions Held ;

* Ex-Chairperson of Adyar Cancer Institute, Chennai.
* Country's first Pediatric Oncology Centre Cancer registry Screening programme for cancer patients Multidisciplinary Tumor Board Super specialty course in oncology.
* Duty exemptions for country's cancer drugs.
* Free travel of cancer patients.
* A member of many ICMR Committees.
* Published over ninety-five papers in national and international journals.
* On WHO's Advisory Committee on Cancer.

Laurels Brought to Dr Vishwanathan's Marathon Work ;

* Conferred Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1986.
* Conferred Padma Bhushan by the Government of India in 2006.
* Conferred Padma Vibhushan by the Government of India in 2016.
* Recipient of Ramon Magsaysay Award for public service in 2005.

Impact Reflecting in the Lives of Common Indians ;

Today Adyar Cancer Institute from twelve beds and two doctors' cottage to India's finest medical institution stands testimony to Dr Shanta's single-minded devotion where 60% of patients are treated free of charge.