One of the top purpose-driven technology-led oncology platforms, Medella Karkinos Oncology Institute (Karkinos Healthcare Kolkata), in collaboration with Barrackpore Auto Union, organised a cancer screening program for more than 100 auto-rickshaw drivers and their families at Barrackpore in North 24 Parganas on World No Tobacco Day to address issues such as limited access to cancer screening, cancer-related tests, and lack of awareness about common cancers. The program’s goals were to encourage people to give up tobacco, get tested frequently, and emphasize the significance of early detection in cancer treatment.

To educate participants about the different risk factors linked to common cancer types, a health education program was also held. Additionally, they received counselling on how to stop using tobacco products like cigarettes and chewing tobacco. Additionally, they received physical examinations and screenings for various cancers, such as lung, oral, and head and neck cancers. The program’s goal was to raise awareness among drivers about the value of routine health examinations, cancer risk factors, and prevention.

Dr. Akther Jawade, Director East, Karkinos Healthcare, said, “West Bengal is seeing a startling increase in cancer cases. One of the main causes of serious diseases like cancer, heart disease, and stroke is tobacco use. Sadly, tobacco addiction is spreading quickly. Tobacco use continues to be the most important and harmful cause of cancer, even though there are other contributing factors. High morbidity and mortality among the marginalised community are also caused by a lack of screening camps, a lack of knowledge, and myths surrounding cancer. Comprehensive cancer education, coordinated screening programs, and early detection initiatives can all help to drastically lower this. In order to address this issue, the Barrackpore Auto Union and Medella Karkinos Oncology Institute (Karkinos Healthcare Kolkata) have teamed up to evaluate risk factors and increase awareness of cancer among auto-rickshaw drivers and their families in the Barrackpore area. At Karkinos Healthcare, we are adamant that it is our shared responsibility to encourage a tobacco-free lifestyle to lower the risk of cancer, improve health, enhance quality of life, and enhance the general well-being of communities throughout West Bengal”.

A highly experienced Medical Team headed by Dr. Samujjwal Das, Consultant, Maxillofacial and Head & Neck Oncosurgery, Karkinos Healthcare, conducted the cancer screening program.

Priyanka Dutta