Innovative Cancer Care and Rehabilitation Pvt. Ltd. (ICanCaRe) is a health tech start-up working in providing innovative solutions in the field of cancer prevention, care & rehabilitation, striving to make life comfortable and easy beyond cancer for all winners and survivors.
ICanCaRe is recognized as Start-up by DPIIT, Government of India, incubated at Gujarat University Start-up and Entrepreneurship Council (GUSEC), and is a lifetime member of Millennial India International Chamber of Commerce Industry & Agriculture (MIICCIA).
ICanCaRe in its mission "SAVE the Youth" runs two popular campaigns #knowtobacco and #chotadaana. ICanCaRe is in the business of tobacco Cessation (QUIT TOBACCO) as a means of tobacco control through a clinically validated protocol intervention model, and capacity building for the same by Gujarat University accredited certified specialist courses.
An interactive session with the Association of Surgeons of Mathura was held on 8th January 2025 at Hotel Abhinandan, Mathura. The session involved engaging discussions with 19 prominent surgeons, focusing on the theme “Changing Frontiers in Oral Oncology.” Key topics included managing functional outcomes for oral cancer patients and leveraging technology to extend care to underserved populations.
Dr. Pawan Gupta’s expertise was highlighted, particularly his groundbreaking work with the “Chota Daana” campaign for early detection of oral cancer. His use of #3D CAD-CAM technology to plan scarless face surgeries is revolutionizing treatment outcomes for oral cancer patients at Max Hospital under his care. Patented triscare – the innovative mouth-opening device and its role in SMF was also highlighted.
The program was conducted by Dr. Ajay Jain and coordinated by Mr. Dalvir Singh. The session successfully fostered knowledge-sharing and innovation in surgical oncology.
On 8th January 2025, we had the privilege of hosting an interactive session with 19 esteemed surgeons at Hotel Abhinandan, Mathura. The session, led by Dr. Pawan Gupta and Dr. Ajay Jain, delved into the “Changing Frontiers in Oral Oncology,” focusing on advanced treatments and reaching underserved populations with innovative technology.
Dr. Pawan Gupta’s work with the “Chota Daana” campaign and 3D CAD-CAM scarless surgeries continues to transform oral cancer care at Max Hospital.
Completion Report PINK ANGEL Empower Her Course Date: 10th – 12th January 2025 Venue: Ibiza – The Fern Resort & Spa, Kolkata
Introduction:
The PINK ANGEL Empower Her Course, held from 10th to 12th January 2025, was a remarkable initiative by the ICanCaRe Women Health Initiative, organized in collaboration with the MAX Institute of Medical Education and Skills (MIME) and the ICanCaRe Academy. Focused on addressing two crucial health challenges—Breast Cancer and Tobacco Control, the course brought together experts and participants for an enriching and action-oriented program.
Objective:
The course aimed to empower healthcare professionals (HCPs) and healthcare workers (HCWs) with advanced knowledge and tools to combat breast cancer, promote tobacco control, and strengthen preventive strategies.
Course Directors:
The program was spearheaded by an expert panel of course directors:
Dr. Manisha Pandey, MD (Hon. Director, ICanCaRe Women Health Initiative)
Their collective vision and leadership ensured the program’s success, delivering a unique blend of academic excellence and practical skills development.
Faculty for Kolkata:
The sessions at the Kolkata course were led by an experienced and inspiring faculty team:
Dr. Subhra Dhar (Pathologist and Pink Angel Course Convenor, Kolkata)
Dr. Debasish Dutta (Pink Angel Course Faculty)
Dr. Swadhin Bharati Mohanty (O&G Specialist, ICanCaRe Women Health Initiative).
The faculty’s expertise, passion, and dedication provided participants with actionable insights into cancer prevention and treatment strategies.
Program Highlights:
Focused Themes:
Breast Cancer: Sessions emphasized early detection, advanced treatment modalities, and holistic approaches to patient care for this significant health concern.
Tobacco Control: Workshops and discussions focused on the critical need for tobacco cessation to reduce cancer risk and promote public health.
Diverse Participation:
The program witnessed the participation of 57 healthcare professionals from diverse fields of medicine and dentistry, enriching discussions with a multi-disciplinary perspective.
Expert Insights and Networking:
Esteemed speakers and guests included:
Dr. Madhabnanda Kaur (Director, AIIMS Bibinagar)
Dr. Prashat Raghav Mohapatra (Dean, AIIMS Bhubaneswar)
Dr. Mami Parija (Founder, Amrit Dhara)
Dr. Srijit Das (Professor, Oman)
Dr. Sanat Bhuyan (Professor and HOD, OMR, SUM Dental, Bhubaneswar)
Dr. Ruchi Bhuyan (Director Research, SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar).
These eminent dignitaries shared valuable insights and ideas on extending this mission to a larger audience of HCPs and HCWs.
Residential Learning Experience:
The serene setting of Ibiza – The Fern Resort & Spa provided the ideal environment for focused learning, meaningful networking, and enjoyable interactions.
Certification:
Participants received certificates of completion, recognizing their commitment to advancing women’s health and tobacco control.
Outcomes:
Empowerment Through Education:
Participants gained practical tools and actionable knowledge to enhance their efforts in breast cancer care and tobacco control.
Collaborative Learning:
The presence of participants from diverse specialties encouraged the sharing of best practices and a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care.
Building Networks:
The program fostered new collaborations, creating a strong community dedicated to improving healthcare outcomes for women.
Feedback and Response:
The program was highly praised for its balance between academic rigor and practical application.
Participants appreciated the opportunity to engage with experienced faculty and interact with renowned experts.
The residential format and informal networking sessions added a personal touch to the overall experience.
Acknowledgments:
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to:
Dr. Manisha Pandey, Prof. (Dr.) Pawan Gupta, Dr. Rashi Agrawal, and Dr. Vanita Mittal for their exceptional leadership as course directors.
Dr. Subhra Dhar, Dr. Debasish Dutta, and Dr. Swadhin Bharati Mohanty for their dedicated efforts as faculty.
The 57 participants for their active engagement and commitment, which made the program a grand success.
Our esteemed dignitaries for their valuable contributions and guidance in shaping this mission.
Conclusion:
The PINK ANGEL Empower Her Course was a resounding success, combining learning, collaboration, and actionable strategies to tackle breast cancer and tobacco use. The event reinforced the commitment of ICanCaRe Academy, MIME, and its partners to advancing cancer care and prevention through education and teamwork.
We look forward to continuing this journey with more impactful initiatives in the future!
Oral cancer remains one of India’s most pressing healthcare challenges, with the country witnessing the highest incidence globally. With over 450,000 cases reported annually, driven largely by tobacco consumption, it is imperative to adopt innovative solutions to combat this epidemic. My recently published article in Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy highlights one such breakthrough—Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)—as a transformative treatment for early and recurrent oral cancers and pre-malignant lesions.
Photodynamic Therapy offers a cutting-edge, minimally invasive treatment approach. PDT selectively targets malignant tissues without affecting the surrounding healthy cells by using a photosensitizing agent and a specific wavelength of light.
Tissue-Sparing Treatment: This is especially crucial for preserving speech, swallowing, and aesthetics in oral cancers.
Minimally Invasive: PDT eliminates the need for disfiguring surgeries and extensive treatments, improving the patient’s quality of life.
Repeatable & Safe: Unlike radiotherapy, PDT can be repeated without causing cumulative damage, making it ideal for recurrent cancers.
The article underscores two real-life case studies showcasing PDT’s success in sparing patients from extensive surgeries, preserving their functionality, and ensuring a higher quality of life.
ICanCaRe: Driving Innovation for Oral Cancer Control
At ICanCaRe, we are committed to advancing the fight against oral cancers through innovation and outreach:
Adopting New Technologies: As seen with PDT, ICanCaRe is at the forefront of introducing technologies that transform cancer care, from diagnostics to treatment.
Tobacco Cessation Programs: Addressing the root cause of most oral cancers, our programs have reached millions across India, empowering them to quit tobacco through our quitline number 9773856664
Community Outreach: Through awareness campaigns, screenings, and educational initiatives, we strive to bring preventive healthcare to underserved communities.
Our efforts align with the need to make cutting-edge treatments like PDT accessible and affordable for all, ensuring no patient is left behind.
A Call to Action
The fight against oral cancer demands a unified effort—embracing innovative technologies, prioritizing prevention, and spreading awareness. PDT is not just a treatment; it’s a beacon of hope for countless patients battling oral cancer in India.
