Bengaluru, 14 May 2025: In a pioneering initiative that shines a light on an often-ignored segment of healthcare, a 16-year-old student from Bengaluru has created a mobile app dedicated to cancer caregivers. Avani Radheshyam, a Class 11 student at 10X International School, launched OncoCaregiver, an app designed to ease the emotional and logistical challenges faced by those looking after cancer patients.

Avani, who comes from a family of oncologists, was inspired by personal experience. Her grandmother and aunt were diagnosed with stage 2 cancer, and watching her parents navigate the difficult terrain of caregiving left a lasting impression. “A cancer diagnosis changes two lives—the patient’s and the caregiver’s. Only one gets support, at least in India,” she said.

Bridging a critical gap in cancer care

During an internship at a cancer hospital in Bengaluru, Avani noticed that caregivers were emotionally drained and often unprepared to deal with the complexities of cancer treatment. She conducted surveys across the city and found high levels of anxiety, confusion about medical decisions, and widespread loneliness among caregivers. The findings pushed her to create a comprehensive platform addressing these gaps.

Launched in October 2024, the OncoCaregiver app is the first of its kind in India to focus entirely on caregivers. The platform provides:

  • Free consultation and second opinions from verified oncologists

  • Online therapy sessions with psychologists specialising in caregiver stress

  • Personalised cancer coaching for treatment navigation

  • Nutritional guidance from certified medical nutritionists

  • A peer support chatroom for real-time emotional support

  • Wellness features such as online yoga and meditation sessions

  • Emergency assistance and educational material on treatment options

  • Significantly, the app is either free or heavily subsidised, with particular outreach to rural and underprivileged communities. The team has conducted workshops on palliative care, art therapy, and nutrition, while also expanding its online reach with a growing Instagram community of over 1,000 followers.

    A growing movement

    Since its launch, OncoCaregiver has supported over 50 families and involved 15 student volunteers across colleges. It is currently being developed in nine Indian languages to expand accessibility to non-English speakers, particularly in tier-2 and rural regions.

    Speaking about her vision, Avani said, “Caregivers are the unsung heroes in the battle against cancer. This app ensures that they are never overlooked or left alone. We aim to empower them with the tools, knowledge, and emotional support they need.”

    The app is available for both Android and iOS platforms. More details can be found on OncoCaregiver’s official website and Instagram page.