Tag: 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

Transforming Oral Cancer Management in India with Photodynamic Therapy

Transforming Oral Cancer Management in India with Photodynamic Therapy

Author: Prof. Dr. Pawan Gupta, M.Ch.
Founder, ICanCaRe
Sr. Director, Surgical Oncology, MAX Hospital, Vaishali

pawan@icancare.com

9811290152

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.

🌐 Read the full article here: Photodynamic Therapy for Early and Recurrent Oral Cancers and Pre-Malignant Lesions: Need of the Hour for India.

Why PDT is the Need of the Hour

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:

  1. Adopting New Technologies: As seen with PDT, ICanCaRe is at the forefront of introducing technologies that transform cancer care, from diagnostics to treatment.
  2. 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
  3. 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.

To delve deeper into the potential of PDT and its role in India’s healthcare landscape, read the complete article here:
👉 Photodynamic Therapy for Early and Recurrent Oral Cancers and Pre-Malignant Lesions.

Let’s work together to redefine oral cancer care and ensure a healthier future for all.

 

#OralCancer #PhotodynamicTherapy #ICanCaRe #HealthcareInnovation #India #TobaccoCessation #pawangupta

Prof. (D.) Pawan Gupta Manoj Tayal Dr. Shovan K. Majumder Divya Nagpal Dr REENA KUMAR Alok Narang Dr Anshul jain Praveen Arany rajkumari sachdeva Dr Goura Kishor Rath Vinitaa Jha Harit Chaturvedi Max Healthcare Office of Research Rajesh Saxena Sandeep Budhiraja Dr Anil D’Cruz Somesh Chandra Jonathan Celli, PhD Hui Liu PDT, Inc. Pravesh Singh Vivek Gupta Shruti Agrawal Rishabh Agrawal Vinali Gupta Ravi Kumar Arun Monika Kumari Dr Gaurav Aggarwal

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/transforming-oral-cancer-management-india-photodynamic-therapy-ajh3c