Category: Sensitization Programs

A comprehensive awareness program on cancer, early detection & prevention, lifestyle modification including tobacco.

Walkathon 2025: Walking Towards a Healthier Future

“A proactive lifestyle can be a powerful line of defense against disease.”

On the refreshing morning of April 27, 2025, the city of Moradabad witnessed an inspiring spectacle as Rotary Club of Moradabad Brass City and MAX Superspeciality Hospital, Vaishali hosted its much-awaited Annual Walkathon, under the theme “WALK FOR HEALTH.”

Dr. Pawan Gupta, Senior Director of Surgical Oncology at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali,, proudly represented Max Healthcare at this remarkable event. Present was renowned Dietitian Sonal Bhatia who has been working tirelessly for tobacco eradication and creating TOBACCO MARSHALS and PINK ANGELs in the society. 

A Walk Towards Wellness

At the break of dawn, over 300 spirited participants — students, social workers, and community members — assembled with a common mission: to advocate for healthier living.
 The 4-kilometer Walkathon was a vibrant tapestry of determination and hope, weaving together individuals from all walks of life in a shared journey towards better health.

The event was graced by Chief Guest Rtn. Payal Gaur, the District Governor Designate for 2026-27, whose presence added to the enthusiasm and energy of the gathering.

Dr. Pawan Gupta’s Inspiring Message

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Pawan Gupta emphasized that health is a lifelong commitment, not a one-time effort. He urged everyone to adopt three essential pathways to holistic wellness:

1. The Way We Live

  • Incorporate exercise and meditation into daily routines.

  • Rise early to embrace the day with vitality and positivity.

  • Choose a healthy lifestyle over momentary comforts.

2. What We Eat

  • Embrace wholesome, nutritious foods, especially green leafy vegetables.

  • Eliminate tobacco and alcohol from life — choices that steal health and happiness.
  • Quitting tobacco is possible with medical therapy – call 977385664 to register

3. Regular Check-Ups

  • Prioritize routine screenings for chronic illnesses.

  • Monitor oral health closely, especially for individuals at high risk due to tobacco use.

  • Early detection of lesions can save lives.

In his words,
 “The journey to health begins with small, consistent steps — and today’s Walkathon is a testament to that spirit.”

A Community United by Purpose

The event beautifully showcased how collective efforts can drive powerful change. Children, parents, educators, and social workers walked side by side, symbolizing a united front against diseases rooted in lifestyle choices.

The Walkathon was not just a physical journey but a movement towards conscious living.

Glimpses of the Event

You can relive the vibrant moments of the day through this photo gallery:
 🔗 Walkathon 2025 Photos

Let’s keep the momentum alive!
 Every step counts. Every choice matters.
 Together, we can walk towards a healthier, happier tomorrow.

Join the movement. Inspire change. Embrace health.

 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/LugXzKtSBLv95jMS8

PICS – 

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/walkathon-2025-walking-towards-healthier-future-gupta-by6uc

#HealthForAll #WalkForHealth #MaxHealthcare #CancerPrevention #TobaccoFreeLife #WellnessJourney #CommunityHealth #pawangupta #icancare #tobacco #WALKATHON2025

Taming Oral Cancer in Odisha: A Community-Driven Call to Action

By Prof. Dr. Pawan Gupta
 MS (Gen Surgery), M.Ch. (Surgical Oncology), FAIS, FSOG
 Founder – ICanCaRe | Surgical Oncologist | Tobacco Cessation Advocate
 📍 LinkedIn | 🌐 www.drpawangupta.in
 📧 pawan@icancare.com | ☎️ 9773856664

🧠 Why Odisha Needs Urgent Intervention

Odisha holds the unfortunate distinction of having one of the highest oral cancer incidence rates in the world. The prime culprit? Chewing tobacco—widely consumed in forms like Khaini, Gudaku, Gutka, and Paan.

Despite being a highly preventable and early-detectable disease, oral cancer is claiming thousands of lives due to delayed intervention and lack of awareness.

🗓️ A Powerful Dialogue with Rotary Club of Bhubaneswar

On April 21, 2025, I had the privilege of conducting an impactful session titled:

“Taming Oral Cancer in Odisha – The Need for Tobacco MARSHALS”

This was hosted by the oldest Rotary Club in Odisha and presided over by:

  • President: Mr. Jnana Ranjan Rath

  • Secretary: Mr. Saroj Ku Mohapatra

  • Coordinator: Mr. Biswajit Patra

The interaction was spirited, solutions-driven, and community-committed.

🔍 The Stark Reality

  • 📌 50%+ of tobacco chewers are likely to develop oral cancer.

  • 📌 11.3% of youth (aged 15–17) in Odisha already use tobacco – well above the national average.

  • 📌 Most patients present in Stage III or IV, when outcomes are poor and costs are high.

🛠️ Our Mission: SAVE the Youth Campaign

We introduced the SAVE model, which forms the backbone of our strategy:

S.A.V.E.

Action

S – Sensitization

Schools, Colleges, Corporates, Communities

A – Assistance

Quitlines, Apps, Online Consults, E-pharmacy

V – Volunteering

Training of Tobacco MARSHALS

E – Enforcement

Tobacco-free zones, Policy Advocacy

We also showcased easy self-screening tools like:

  • 🔹 The Chota Daana Test

  • 🔹 The Four Finger Mouth Opening Test

💬 Community Speaks, Support Rises

Several community leaders stepped forward:

  • Mr. Arun Ku Rath and Mrs. Gitu Rath committed full support to expand the SAVE the youth campaign across Odisha and in Odia communities in Delhi.

  • Mr. Tanmay Das proposed setting up a dedicated Oral Cancer Centre, managed by ICanCaRe.

  • Mr. Prerit Gupta (Gupta Distributors) pledged sponsorship for the Tobacco MARSHAL starter kits.

Also present was Dr. Mami Parija, Devi Awardee and founder of Amrit Dhara Palliative Unit, who strongly advocated prevention care.

🔬 Innovation Meets Compassion

I demonstrated TrisCaRe—our patented device to help individuals with restricted mouth opening (a common side-effect of tobacco use).
 Combined with our ICanCaRe App, trained specialists, and community outreach, this forms a robust, scalable model for real change.

🚀 Be Part of the Movement

We’re not just treating cancer—we’re preventing it.

You can be part of the solution:

✅ Volunteer as a Tobacco MARSHAL
 ✅ Help establish a cessation or screening centre
 ✅ Adopt the SAVE model in your school, office, or city
 ✅ Support us in taking this to the last mile

🧩 Let’s shift from “Why me?” to “Not me!”

💬 Final Word

The passion is high, the need is urgent, and the execution has begun.
 Together, we can make Odisha a global example in cancer prevention and youth wellness.

📩 For partnerships, volunteering, or program details:

🌐 www.icancare.com
 📧 support@icancare.com | ☎️ 9773856664
 📲 Download the ICanCaRe App

🔖 Tags:

#OralCancer #TobaccoControl #TobaccoMarshal #SAVEtheYouth #ICanCaRe #ChotaDaana #OdishaHealth #QuitTobacco #TrisCaRe #CancerPrevention #BeSmartDoNotStart #HealthAwareness

Prof. Dr. Pawan Gupta MS ( Gensurgery) M.Ch. (OncoSurgery), FAIS, FSOG

PROFILE of PAWAN GUPTA

www.linkedin.com/in/drpawangupta

www.drpawangupta.in

pawan@icancare.com

Tobacco MARSHAL Program Launched in Odisha to Combat Rising Tobacco Menace

Bhubaneswar | April 13, 2025

In a powerful move to combat the growing menace of tobacco addiction and oral cancer in Odisha, I CAN WIN Foundation, in collaboration with ICanCaRe and Gupta Distributors, launched the Tobacco MARSHAL Program in Bhubaneswar. The introductory session was held at the Hanspal office of Gupta Distributors, graciously hosted by Mr. Prerit Gupta, Director, and supported by Mr. Rajesh Gupta, Chairman, Gupta Group of Businesses.

Led by Dr. Pawan Gupta, Senior Director – Surgical Oncology at MAX Hospitals, Delhi NCR, and Founder of ICanCaRe, the session educated the audience on early signs of oral cancer—highlighting the campaign message: “Catch Cancer at Stage 0 with Chhota Daana.”

👥 Dignitaries and Key Participants

The session witnessed the enthusiastic participation of several prominent individuals:

  • Mr. Biswajit Patra, Businessman and Secretary Elect, Rotary Club Bhubaneswar, expressed commitment to partner with ICanCaRe to take the Tobacco MARSHAL initiative to grassroots through Rotary channels.
  • Mr. Prashanna Kumar Mishra, Advocate, Odisha Bar Association, proposed tobacco awareness camps at Cuttack High Court for members of the legal community.
  • Mr. Rakesh Barick, Secretary, SAI Sports Association & Manager at Panasonic Odisha, showed interest in organizing a mega awareness drive with a seating capacity of 1000.
  • Ms. Ipshita Sarkar, Psycho-oncologist, actively addressed psychological aspects of tobacco addiction and guided participants through mental health aspects of cessation.

🔬 Real Impact: From Awareness to Action

The event was not just informative but also action-oriented:

  • Three participants were screened and found with restricted mouth opening and lesions, who were immediately guided for further diagnosis and treatment.
  • The revolutionary device TrisCaRe was introduced as a vital solution for trismus management in oral cancer and pre-cancer cases.

Dr. Pawan emphasized the availability of structured medical treatment to help individuals quit tobacco and highlighted the digital quitline (📞 9773856664) and the ICanCaRe App-based Quit Program that provides behavioral and pharmacological support.

💬 Questions That Matter

One of the most relevant and heartfelt questions came from Mr. Prerit and Mr. Anis:
“How can one resist peer pressure when everyone in the friend circle uses tobacco and alcohol?”
 Dr. Pawan’s response was direct and empowering:

“Motivation is the key—and the good news is that medical treatment is available to help quit tobacco. With proper support and medication for just 3 months, one can be free from cravings and withdrawal symptoms.”

Mr. Anis, inspired by the session, immediately scheduled a consultation to help his father begin the tobacco cessation journey.

🔗 Watch the Full Program Here

📺 YouTube Live – Gupta Distributors https://www.youtube.com/live/vhsUxES-aKA

🌱 The Beginning of a Movement in Odisha

The session ended on a hopeful note, with Mr. Rajesh Gupta committing full support to the #SaveTheYouth campaign in Odisha. Volunteers came forward to enroll as Tobacco MARSHALs and pledged to spread awareness in schools, offices, and communities.

📞 Call to Action

💬 Want to be a part of this movement?
🔗 Register as a Tobacco MARSHAL here: www.icancare.in/academy/marshal
 📞 Helpline: 9773856664
📧 Email: support@icancare.com

Together, let’s kill the modern demon – Tambaku-Asur.
Let’s save lives. Let’s save our youth.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/introducing-tobacco-marshal-odisha-groundbreaking-step-towards-whdcc