The Cancer Warrior of Bihar

Born in 1952 in the village of Majhauni in Banka district, Bihar, to a freedom-fighter father, Jitendra Kumar Singh grew up with a quiet determination to serve. He completed his schooling at SMP School, Jethour, and graduated in medicine from Patna Medical College (then Prince of Wales Medical College) in 1975 on a National Merit Scholarship. Specialising in oncology, he trained further at Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai.

He began his career at the Radium Institute of Patna Medical College and Hospital, later serving as Associate Professor at Darbhanga Medical College. In time he became Director of Mahavir Cancer Institute & Research Centre in Patna, transforming it into a major centre for cancer treatment and research in the region. He also served as President of Cancer Care India, the apex body coordinating support organisations across the country, and organised extensive outreach awareness programmes throughout Bihar so that early detection could reach even remote villages.

A Fellow of the Indian College of Radiation Oncology, he has guided postgraduate training, examined for the Diplomate of National Board, and contributed to national bodies focused on brachytherapy and hyperthermic oncology. His work earned the Pratibha Samman, the Gunilla Bental Oration Award, and, in 2012, the Padma Shri from the Government of India.

Married to Arati Sinha and the father of two children, Dr. Jitendra Kumar Singh continues to advocate for accessible cancer care. In the wards of Mahavir Cancer Institute and in the many awareness camps that have saved lives through early diagnosis, his lifelong commitment endures—bringing hope, skilled treatment and dignity to patients facing one of the most challenging diseases of our time.