A Conversation at Amrit Dhara – Why Prevention Must Walk Hand in Hand with Palliative Care for Oral Cancers in Odisha

I recently had the privilege of spending time at Amrit Dhara with Dr. Mami Parija, a Devi Awardee, and her incredible team. Our discussion, though informal, touched on some of the most pressing and emotional realities of cancer care in Odisha.

What came up quickly in our exchange was the alarming prevalence of oral cancer in Odisha, and more importantly, the fact that most cases are diagnosed at Stage IV. It’s a stage where curative options are few and suffering is immense.

That’s where palliative care becomes critical. Not as an afterthought, but from the very point of diagnosis. It’s not just about easing pain—it’s about restoring dignity, offering emotional support, and helping families navigate an incredibly difficult journey. The anguish is real, and the guilt is often overwhelming. I’ve heard patients say:

“Why didn’t anyone tell me tobacco was this dangerous?”
“Why couldn’t someone help me quit?”

These aren’t isolated voices. They represent a collective regret that society could have done more, earlier.

We also reflected on how tobacco addiction is no longer a ‘bad habit’—it’s a medical condition, one that can and must be treated like any other chronic disease. The path from addiction to cessation is scientific and structured, and support is available.

At ICanCaRe, we’ve been working on campaigns like ‘SAVE the Youth’, which focuses on:

  • KNOW TOBACCO – Spreading awareness of the real risks

  • CHOTA DHANA – Behavioral nudges to resist first use

  • STAGE ZERO detection – Identifying lesions before they become cancer

  • Tobacco Cessation (QUIT) – Structured, evidence-based treatment for all users

Yet, even as we continue these efforts, the need for palliative care cannot be overlooked. For thousands already diagnosed late, it remains their only refuge.

But perhaps the most important realization we shared that day was this: Prevention and early detection must become our collective priority. They are the only true solutions that can save lives, reduce financial burden, and protect the environment in the long run.

Our conversation ended not with a conclusion, but with a renewed sense of responsibility.

It’s time for governments, corporates (through CSR), and healthcare systems to channel energy and resources into preventive models. Because every life saved early is a journey spared from unnecessary suffering.

 #ICanCaRe #OralCancer #PreventiveHealth #PalliativeCare #PublicHealth #CSR #TobaccoCessation #CancerAwareness #SaveTheYouth #amritdhara #odisha

Author: Prof. Dr. Pawan Gupta M.Ch.

Founder –  ICanCaRe

Sr. Director – MAX Vaishali

Oral Cancer Surgeon | Tobacco Cessation Expert

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/meaningful-exchange-amrit-dhara-reflections-preventive-care-el5vc

PROFILE of PAWAN GUPTA

www.linkedin.com/in/drpawangupta

www.drpawangupta.in

pawan@icancare.com

ICanCaRe Exploring the future of Biotechnology for ORAL CANCER at IIT JAMMU

ICanCaRe – Exploring the Future of Biotechnology for oral Cancer at IIT Jammu

Honored to be part of the transformative workshop “Micro-Fabrication and Biosensors: Advances in Diagnostics” at IIT Jammu, where I had the opportunity to present on integrating biosensors for early disease detection and tobacco cessation.

A special mention to the exceptional scientists and experts I had the privilege of engaging with—To name a few – Dr. Pranjal Chandra, PhD, FICS, MNASc, MRSC, M-INYAS, M-IEEE, Dr. Vinay Patel,  Dr. SOUMEN MANDAL, Dr. Sandeep Dogra, Dr. Dharitri Rath Dr. Vijay pal, Dr Vinay Sharma, Asha Chaubey, Dr Vikas, Dr. Girjesh Patel —whose insights were truly inspiring.

I am deeply grateful to Ravi Kumar Arun , Ms. Monika Kumari, and the entire team for organizing this outstanding event and inviting me to be part of it.

For a glimpse into this enriching experience, check out the photos here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/eNVH7Cw7xNnC83Y29

Collaboration and innovation like this hold the key to revolutionizing healthcare and diagnostics!

#Biotechnology #InnovationInHealthcare #Biosensors #IITJammu #Diagnostics #HealthcareInnovation #OralCancerCare #TobaccoCessation #CollaborationsForChange #ResearchAndDevelopment #FutureOfHealthcare #MicroFabrication #MedicalAdvancements #ICanCaRe #ScientificExcellence

Dr. Pranjal Chandra, PhD, FICS, MNASc, MRSC, M-INYAS, M-IEEE

Ravi Kumar Arun

Monika Kumari

Dr. SOUMEN MANDAL

Dr. Dharitri Rath

Pravesh Singh

Vivek Gupta

Detailed write up of the event – 

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/reflections-my-visit-iit-jammu-prof-dr-pawan-gupta-r3wvc

 

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BZp14qaKG/

Science behind Tobacco Addiction and Cessation at The IPS Science Talk

Dr. Pawan Gupta M.Ch at the 13th Indian Photobiology Society Science Talk

It was a great opportunity to talk on the SCIENCE BEHIND TOBACCO ADDICTION AND CESSATION to the scientific community at the 13th virtual Talk in the ‘Indian Photobiology Society Science Talk’ on 30th March, 2024 (Saturday) at 7.00 PM (IST).

QUITTING TOBACCO IS A CHALLENGE! QUITTING TOBACCO IS A SCIENCE!!! People quit to relapse. Tobacco is the most dreaded disease of the present time, killing 8 million people every year. In a recent survey (data being analyzed in detail) conducted by me on the prevalence and willingness to quit tobacco amongst doctors, it was found that most doctors despite the knowledge about tobacco, failed to quit tobacco. Extrapolating the same for the general population it is understood that the quit rate is dismal. There has to be an understanding of how to improve the quit rate.

Tobacco addiction is now recognized as a disease, with its own pathology. Like any other disease, a scientific approach to understanding its intricacies is essential for effective treatment and cessation strategies. Organizations, ICanCaRe have been at the forefront, developing digitalized scientific interventions that address the social, psychological, and physical aspects of tobacco addiction through the ABCD holistic intervention model, leading to successful outcomes. However, further study and standardization of intervention models are crucial for achieving a mass effect and widespread impact with successful outcome.

The Science behind tobacco addiction and cessation is for understanding the intricacies and involvement of a scientific cessation process aiming to unravel its complexities and pave the way for a more scientific approach to a successful cessation processes.

Prof. Nitin Chattopadhyay, President, Indian Photobiology Society presided over the meeting and C. Sinha, Secretary, Indian Photobiology Society & Professor, Department of Chemistry, Jadavpur University, Kolkata; M-7044231277 conducted the meeting.

(13) SCIENCE BEHIND TOBACCO ADDICTION and CESSATION | LinkedIn

Dr. Pawan Gupta MS. (Gen Surgery), M.Ch. (Surgical Oncology), FAIS, FSOG, CTCS

Sr. Director, Surgical Oncology, MAX Institute of Cancer Care, EZ- Delhi NCR

Founder – ICanCaRe Tobacco Wellness Program, ICanCaRe Academy

Mob: 9811290152

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/dr-pawan-gupta/16/51b/100

drpawan.oncosurgeon@gmail.com