‘Larger idea is how to identify cancer without biopsy’: PGIMER
This research has received funding of Rs 90 lakh from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the study is being led by Dr Bakshi, and the team, including Dr Banumathy.
PGIMER Chandigarh has received the final environmental and administrative nods for a new 150-bed Critical Care Block and a much-delayed six-story parking facility. (File)
A healthy voice is imperative for effective communication. In India, 8 per cent of the population suffers from voice disorders like a change in voice to complete inability to speak. It could be either functional or organic. A voice disorder exists when a person’s quality, pitch, and loudness differ from those of a similar age, gender, cultural background, and geographic location. Patients should be concerned when there is a persistent vocal quality change, including breathiness, hoarseness or complete loss of voice. Other symptoms also include a persistent funny feeling or pain in the larynx, a persistent feeling that the voice is stuck in the throat, vocal fatigue and persistent pitch breaks. PGIMER caters to the medical needs of patients from almost five states of Northern India.
Dr Jaimanti Bakshi, Prof and Head, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, PGI, says the number of patients visiting the ENT OPD at PGI is on average 900 per day with various ENT ailments, out of whom eight to 10 patients per day are diagnosed with voice disorders.
The total number of patients with voice disorders has increased over time, probably due to the changing lifestyles. “Most of the voice disorders are preventable. There are many ways in which people can conserve their voice and prevent the development of voice disorders, including avoiding overuse of voice, keeping hydrated by sipping unrefrigerated water every one hour, minimising activities causing vocal strain such as yelling, talking for long hours on the telephone, speaking less, avoiding excessive throat clearing, warming up before heavy vocal use, using appropriate breath support, using amplification, for professional voice users like singers and teachers and paying attention to voice cues. Whenever a person feels a difference in his voice quality, following any episode of illness, allergies, gastro-esophageal reflux disorder, laryngo-pharyngeal reflux, and thyroid problems, precautionary measures must be taken to prevent further deterioration of voice quality,” says Dr Bakshi.
Dr Banumathy N, Associate Professor at Speech and Hearing Unit, PGI, suggests that “we must project the voice at a comfortable pitch and loudness level, meanwhile allowing several periods of voice rest during the day”. “Restrict ingestion of caffeine, carbonated drinks, alcohol, smoking and tobacco as these have detrimental effects on voice quality, as does very spicy food, pollution, heat, and dryness. Avoid any kind of vocalisation while lifting any heavy weight. Refrain from speaking in noisy areas. On seeing any signs of vocal fatigue, immediately consult an otolaryngologist and speech language pathologist,” says Dr Banumathy.
The department is conducting a research study that aims to identify the risk of vocal cord cancer (laryngeal cancer) through changes in human voice patterns. Using Artificial Intelligence (AI), this study will help predict whether a person is at risk of developing vocal cord cancer in the future by collecting voice data. This research has received funding of Rs 90 lakh from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the study is being led by Dr Bakshi, and the team, including Dr Banumathy. Early diagnosis is the key, and PGI’s study could prove to be a breakthrough in the prevention of cancer. The study will collect voice data from more than 1,000 individuals above 18 divided into two groups – one consisting of healthy individuals and the other of those already suffering from some kind of voice disorders.
“The larger idea is how to identify cancer without biopsy. The voice of participants will be recorded through a specially designed mobile app. These recordings will then be analysed using AI, which will identify specific patterns in the voice that may indicate a future risk of vocal cord cancer. As more data is collected, the accuracy of the AI system is expected to improve. This data will also help in detecting other voice disorders in the future.” says Dr Bakshi.
Parul is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express in Chandigarh. She is a seasoned journalist with over 25 years of experience specializing in public health, higher education, and the architectural heritage of Northern India.
Professional Profile
Education: Graduate in Humanities with a specialized focus on Journalism and Mass Communication from Panjab University, Chandigarh.
Career Path: She began her career covering local city beats and human interest stories before joining The Indian Express in 2009. Over the last decade and a half, she has risen to the rank of Principal Correspondent, becoming the publication’s primary voice on Chandigarh’s premier medical and academic institutions.
Expertise: Her reporting is deeply rooted in the institutional dynamics of PGIMER (Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research) and Panjab University. She is highly regarded for her ability to navigate complex administrative bureaucracies to deliver student-centric and patient-centric news.
Recent Notable Articles (Late 2024 - 2025)
Her recent work highlights critical reporting on healthcare infrastructure, academic governance, and urban culture:
1. Public Health & PGIMER
"PGIMER expands digital registry: Centralized patient records to reduce wait times by 40%" (Nov 20, 2025): A detailed look at the digital transformation of one of India's busiest medical institutes to tackle patient influx.
"Robotic Surgery at PGI: Why the new urology wing is a game-changer for North India" (Oct 12, 2025): Reporting on the acquisition of state-of-the-art medical technology and its impact on affordable healthcare.
"Shortage of life-saving drugs: Inside the supply chain crisis at government pharmacies" (Dec 5, 2025): An investigative piece on the logistical hurdles affecting chronic patients in the tri-city area.
2. Education & Institutional Governance
"Panjab University Senate Election: The battle for institutional autonomy" (Dec 18, 2025): In-depth coverage of the high-stakes internal elections and the friction between traditional governance and central reforms.
"Research funding dip: How PU’s science departments are navigating the 2025 budget cuts" (Nov 5, 2025): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing researchers and the impact on India's global academic ranking.
3. Art, Culture & Heritage
"Le Corbusier’s legacy in peril: The struggle to preserve Chandigarh’s Capitol Complex" (Dec 22, 2025): A feature on the conservation efforts and the tension between urban modernization and UNESCO heritage status.
"Chandigarh Art District: How street murals are reclaiming the city’s grey walls" (Oct 30, 2025): A cultural profile of the local artists transforming the aesthetic of the "City Beautiful."
Signature Style
Parul is known for her empathetic lens, often centering her stories on the individuals affected by policy—whether it is a student navigating university red tape or a patient seeking care. She possesses a unique ability to translate dense administrative notifications into actionable information for the public. Her long-standing beat experience makes her a trusted source for "inside-track" developments within Chandigarh’s most guarded institutions.
X (Twitter): @parul_express ... Read More
