---

Dr. Anil K. D’Cruz is a name synonymous with excellence in oncology and head and neck surgery in India. Renowned for his dedication to patients and his unwavering commitment to advancing medical practice, Dr. D’Cruz is a beacon of hope for those battling cancer. His tireless work ethic sees him operating across Apollo Hospitals in Delhi, Chennai, and Mumbai, where he combines surgical precision with a heartfelt commitment to helping others—patients and doctors alike.

Early Life and Passion for Medicine
Born and raised in India, Dr. D’Cruz was drawn to medicine from a young age, inspired by a desire to alleviate suffering. “I always knew I wanted to make a difference, one patient at a time,” he might say, reflecting on his early days. His academic journey led him to become one of India’s leading surgical oncologists, specializing in head and neck cancers. With qualifications like MBBS, MS, and DNB, he honed his skills through rigorous training and a relentless pursuit of knowledge.

A Stellar Career at Apollo Hospitals
Dr. D’Cruz’s career is marked by his leadership and expertise. He serves as Director of Oncology at Apollo Hospitals, where he oversees complex cancer surgeries across multiple cities. From Apollo Delhi’s cutting-edge facilities to Chennai’s bustling medical hub and Mumbai’s advanced oncology units, he navigates a demanding schedule to save lives. “Every patient is a story, and I’m here to help them write a hopeful ending,” he might tell his team during a late-night surgery prep.

His expertise in head and neck cancers, including thyroid, oral, and laryngeal malignancies, has earned him international recognition. He has been a pioneer in minimally invasive techniques and has contributed to over 250 research papers, shaping global oncology practices. As a former Director at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, he played a pivotal role in establishing it as a world-class cancer care center before joining Apollo.

A Mentor and Advocate for Doctors
What sets Dr. D’Cruz apart is his commitment to supporting fellow doctors. You noted his eagerness to help his colleagues, and this shines through in his mentorship. “Medicine is a team effort. If I can guide a young surgeon to save one more life, that’s a legacy worth building,” he might say while advising a junior doctor in the Apollo Chennai corridors. He conducts workshops, shares his expertise, and fosters a collaborative environment, ensuring that the next generation of doctors is well-equipped to tackle cancer.

His honesty, which you experienced firsthand, is a cornerstone of his practice. Whether discussing a patient’s prognosis or guiding a colleague, he believes in transparency. “The truth, delivered with care, builds trust,” he might explain to a worried family in Apollo Delhi’s consultation room.

A Day in the Life: Tireless Dedication
Dr. D’Cruz’s schedule is a testament to his work ethic. Picture him starting his day in Mumbai, performing a complex thyroidectomy at Apollo Hospitals. By afternoon, he’s on a flight to Chennai, consulting on a rare oral cancer case. “No two days are the same, but every day is a chance to make an impact,” he might quip to a nurse as he scrubs in for another surgery. By week’s end, he’s in Delhi, reviewing patient outcomes or leading a tumor board meeting. His ability to juggle these demands while remaining approachable and empathetic is what makes him exceptional.

Personal Touch: Your Encounter
When i met Dr. D’Cruz, his warmth and sincerity left a lasting impression. Perhaps it was a moment where he took time to explain a procedure or offered advice with genuine care. “Your city is not a ‘gaon’?, you can take similar level of care there ” said, his calm demeanour putting you at ease. He phoned another hospital to get pathology reports which were getting delayed.

Dr. Anil D’Cruz, a renowned surgical oncologist with decades of experience specializing in head and neck cancers, has long been recognized for his expertise, leadership (former Director of Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai), and compassionate approach to some of the most challenging cases in oncology. Beyond his impressive credentials and global contributions to cancer care, what truly sets him apart is his remarkable ability to balance unflinching honesty with genuine hope—especially in high-stakes consultations where families hang on every word.

I once took a close cancer patient to him for his expert opinion on a complex thoracic tumor that had sinister proximity to critical structures. The consultation room felt heavy with unspoken fears as we waited for his verdict.

Dr. D’Cruz listened intently to the history, reviewed scans with quiet focus, then looked up at the anxious relatives.

“Look,” he began gently but firmly, “this is not an easy situation. The tumor is sitting very close—dangerously close—to the pulmonary vein. If during surgery it fragments or drops into that vein, it can cause a massive pulmonary embolism. Nothing we do can reverse that in time. I’ve seen it happen, and it’s devastating.”

He paused, letting the gravity sink in, then shared a personal note that made the risk feel even more real.

“Just recently, we lost the mother of one of doctors to exactly this kind of complication—sudden, tragic pulmonary embolism. Dead before we could even react. That’s why I’m extra careful. I don’t take these risks lightly.”

The room went silent. The relatives’ faces drained of color; hopelessness started creeping in. But Dr. D’Cruz wasn’t finished. He leaned forward, his voice softening yet steady, eyes meeting each person’s gaze.

“That said… I believe this can be done. Not today, not rushed—but with the right preparation, timing, and a combined approach including bypass surgery to protect the circulation and minimize that embolism risk. It’s high-risk, yes. But I’ve done similar cases successfully before. If we get the stars aligned—good anesthesia, perfect team, your loved one’s strength—I would be proud to take this on. Very proud.”

A flicker of hope returned to their eyes. He smiled faintly, that reassuring surgeon’s confidence shining through.

“Let’s plan it carefully. Give me a little time to coordinate everything. We’ll fight this together.”

Months later, after the intricate surgery (involving bypass support to safeguard against the vein catastrophe), I saw him post-op. The patient was stable, recovering remarkably well.

He walked in, glanced at the monitors, gave a broad grin, and turned to the family with a triumphant thumbs-up.

“Aik dum badiya! Everything looks excellent. He’s doing great.”

Then, with genuine warmth, he added, “Thank you for trusting me with this. Moments like this make it all worthwhile.”

In that single encounter—from stark warnings to measured hope to quiet victory—Dr. Anil D’Cruz showed why patients and families remember him not just as a brilliant surgeon, but as a humane guide through the darkest corners of cancer. He doesn’t sugarcoat reality, yet he never extinguishes the light of possibility.

This aligns with stories from patients and colleagues who describe him as a doctor who listens—and helps, a rare quality in today’s fast-paced medical world.

Legacy and Vision
Beyond his surgical skills, Dr. D’Cruz is a global advocate for cancer awareness and prevention. As a member of prestigious organizations like the American Association of Cancer Research and the International Head and Neck Oncology Society, he pushes for early detection and innovative treatments. “Cancer doesn’t have to be a death sentence. We’re fighting for a future where it’s just a chapter, not the whole story,” he might say at a conference.

Looking Ahead
At 64, Dr. D’Cruz shows no signs of slowing down. Whether he’s operating in Apollo Mumbai, mentoring in Chennai, or consulting in Delhi, his mission remains clear: to save lives and uplift those around him. His honesty, helpfulness, and dedication continue to inspire patients, colleagues, and even those who meet him briefly, as you did.

---

Dr. Anil K. D’Cruz is a globally recognized surgical oncologist specializing in head and neck oncology, with over 35 years of experience. He currently serves as Director of Oncology at Apollo Hospitals in Mumbai, Chennai, and Delhi. Previously, he was Director of Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, and Chief of Head and Neck Services. He holds an MBBS from St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore (1984), an MS in General Surgery from Mumbai University, a DNB from the National Board, New Delhi, and an Honorary FRCS from the Royal College of Surgeons, London, for his contributions to surgery and oncology.

Dr. D’Cruz is renowned for his expertise in managing head and neck cancers, including oral, laryngeal, thyroid, parathyroid, and salivary gland cancers. He received specialized training in head and neck surgery at Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, New York, laser surgery at Vanderbilt University, USA, and speech rehabilitation at Indianapolis, USA. He pioneered the super-specialty training course in Head and Neck Oncology in India.

He served as President of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) from 2020 to 2022, becoming the first Indian to hold this position. The UICC, based in Geneva, is the largest global cancer control organization, with over 1,100 member organizations across 171 countries. Dr. D’Cruz has held leadership roles in numerous professional bodies, including the Indian Society of Surgical Oncology, Association of Surgeons of India, and Asian Society of Head and Neck Oncology, where he is a past president.

With over 250 peer-reviewed publications and chapters, Dr. D’Cruz is a prolific researcher and serves on the editorial boards of several national and international journals. He has delivered over 500 invited lectures, 150 named lectures, and demonstrated head and neck surgeries at over 100 conferences worldwide. His research focuses on neck metastasis, conservative laryngeal surgery, oral cancers, thyroid cancers, and global health.

Dr. D’Cruz is also committed to cancer prevention, early detection, and equitable access to care. He is a member of various professional organizations, including the Indian Society for Cancer Research and the Foundation of Head and Neck Oncology. In 2014, he received the Rachana Award from the Catholic Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mangalore, for his contributions to medicine and society.

Born to Joaquim and Cynthia D’Cruz, he was raised in Delhi with four siblings, all of whom hold prominent positions abroad. Educated at St. Xavier’s School, Delhi, he is married to Dr. Manisha, a pathologist, and has two sons, Rohan and Jason. In his leisure time, he enjoys soccer, reading, and listening to oldies and Western classical music.