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
