On February 2, 2023, a Cancer and Tobacco Awareness Program was conducted for the workers of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Mathura, on the occasion of World Cancer Day 2024. The program was organized by MAX Institute of Cancer Care, Vaishali, in association with IOCL, Mathura.
The chief speaker of the program was Dr. Pawan Gupta, M.Ch., Sr. Director, MAX Institute of Cancer Care, Vaishali, who is a renowned oncologist and an expert in tobacco cessation. He was honored by Mr. Vikram Phuleriya, DGM Marketing, IOCL, Mathura, who presented him with a memento and thanked him for his valuable service. The program was coordinated by Mr. Sonu Patel, Safety Officer, IOCL, Mathura, and doctors Dr. Pronita Banerjee and Dr. Pradyuman Kaushik. MAX was represented by Mr. Sachin Bhatia and Mr. Lalit Kumar.
The program was attended by 45 workers of IOCL, Mathura, who actively participated in the interactive session. Dr. Pawan Gupta talked about cancer and its prevention, emphasizing tobacco as the main cause. He showed a video presentation that illustrated how harmful tobacco is to the health and well-being of the users and their families. He informed the workers that tobacco is responsible for more than 50% of the 16 types of cancers that are known to be caused by it. He also explained the various signs and symptoms of oral cancer, such as white patches, red patches, nodules, ulcers, or pigmentation in the oral cavity. He urged the workers to do a self-oral examination and look for any abnormality or lesion in their mouth. He demonstrated a simple four-finger mouth-opening test and found that seven of the workers had a mouth opening of fewer than two fingers, which is alarming and needs intervention. He warned the workers that oral premalignant lesions, if not treated at the right time, have a 70% chance of becoming cancerous.
Knowing this it created a fear in the minds of the workers taking tobacco!
Dr. Gupta also talked about the advancements in medical science and the availability of effective treatment for tobacco cessation. He said that specific medicines are given to each individual, based on their assessment and monitoring, and the treatment usually lasts for three to six months. He added that some people may need two or three attempts before they can quit tobacco completely. He encouraged the workers to seek professional help and support to quit tobacco and improve their quality of life.
During the interaction, Dr Gupta asked the following questions to the participants –
1. How many of them were taking tobacco of any form-
a. 37 responded by raising their hands
2. How many have never taken tobacco in their lifetime
a. 7 never took tobacco any time in life
3. How many do yoga or exercise
a. No one did yoga or exercise or meditation
4. Amongst the tobacco users, How many knew that tobacco is bad
a. 100% new tobacco is bad
5. How many have attempted to quit tobacco any time in life
a. 32 of 37 have tried but failed
6. How many wished to quit tobacco
a. 46 of 47 wished to quit tobacco
7. After explaining that it is possible to quit tobacco through medical means specific medications are available and it is done with scientific protocol-based methodology all of the workers were eager to quit tobacco and wished such a facility was provided to them.
8. How many are ready to pay for their treatment but want to quit – 100% were ready for the same.
9. 7 of the workers had decreased mouth opening and needed immediate intervention.
Tobacco users were suggested to do a self-oral examination and look for Chota Daana in the oral cavity which can be in the form of a white patch, red patch, nodule, ulcer, or just pigmentation. A simple 4 finger mouth opening test was done and 7 of the workers had a mouth opening of less than 2, which is alarming and needs intervention. Oral premalignant lesions if not taken care of at the right time 70% of them are likely to become cancers!!
A need was felt that oral screening and tobacco cessation facilities be available for the workers and employees on the premises.
The program was a success and received positive feedback from the workers, who expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity to learn and benefit from such a useful and informative initiative.
The program was a part of IOCL’s and MAX’s ongoing efforts to promote and enhance the health and safety of the workers and their families and to contribute to the global fight against cancer. IOCL and MAX hope to continue and expand their programs on cancer and tobacco awareness and prevention in the future and to inspire and empower the workers and their families to lead healthy and happy lives.
Dr. Pawan Gupta MS. (Gen Surgery), M.Ch. (Surgical Oncology), FAIS, FSOG, CTCS
Sr. Director, Surgical Oncology, MAX Institute of Cancer Care, EZ- Delhi NCR
Founder Director – ICanCaRe, ICanCaRe Academy
