Holy Cross Sister Wins International Research Award for Cancer Study

Coimbatore, October 9, 2026: Sr. Victoria Kavungal, also known as Dr. Litti K. I., a member of the Sisters of the Holy Cross serving at BCM Hospital and College of Nursing in Khairabad, Lucknow, has received the International Research Star Award for her work in gynaecologic oncology.

The International Society for Scientific Network (ISSN) presented the award on September 27 during the International Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Academic Conference in Coimbatore. The award recognises excellence and contributions to scientific research.

Sr. Victoria was honoured for her research titled “Perception of Body Image and Self-Esteem Among Patients with Gynaecological Cancer,” which explores the emotional and social challenges experienced by women living with gynaecological cancer.

She conducted the study as part of her Master of Science in Nursing programme at St John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, Bengaluru, under the guidance of Dr. N. Gayathiri and Dr. Kiran Abhijith Kulkarni. The findings were subsequently published in the Indian Journal of Gynaecologic Oncology, a Springer Nature journal indexed in Scopus.

The award was instituted under the ISSN in collaboration with the World Research Council and Oxford Research London. Sr. Victoria received a certificate of appreciation from an international panel of academicians and scientists, including Prof. Dr. Teresa Matoso Manguangua Victor, Dr. Francisco Bulnes and Dr. Aimée Tathiana Koulounda.

Originally from Kuttikkad, Chalakudy, in the Diocese of Irinjalakuda, Sr. Victoria is the daughter of the late K. C. Itteera and Eliakutty. She currently serves the Diocese of Lucknow through her ministry at BCM Hospital and College of Nursing, contributing to healthcare services and the education and formation of future nurses.

She attended the award ceremony with her research guide, Dr. N. Gayathiri, and fellow Holy Cross Sisters Victrine, Lillian and Flower.

The recognition has been welcomed by the Sisters of the Holy Cross, BCM Hospital and College of Nursing, the Diocese of Lucknow, St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences and her family. Her achievement highlights the contribution of religious women to healthcare research and nursing education, particularly in addressing the psychological and social dimensions of cancer care.

By Catholic Connect Reporter