Category: Advise Quit Tobacco

Articles on how to advise patients to quit tobacco, on how to drive the conversation and how to approach to motivate to quit tobacco

USISTEF 2024 Award for ICanCaRe and Photodynamic Solutions Inc.

Dr. Pawan Gupta and Dr. Jonathan Celli were honored with the USISTEF 2024 Award for AI-Enabled Oral Cancer Screening and Treatment Project

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Pawan Gupta, representing ICanCaRe (Indian partner), and Dr. Jonathan Celli from Photodynamic Solutions Inc., Boston (U.S. partner), have been honored with the prestigious USISTEF 2024 Award. This recognition was awarded under the joint call for proposals on ‘Critical and Emerging Technologies and Artificial Intelligence for Transforming Lives’ by the United States-India Science and Technology Endowment Fund. The project focuses on AI-enabled technology for oral cancer screening and treatment, addressing a significant healthcare challenge in India.

The award ceremony took place on October 10, 2024, at the Leela Palace, New Delhi. The Hon. Eric Garcetti, U.S. Ambassador to India, and the Hon. Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Earth Sciences and Science & Technology, presented the award. Dr. Pawan Gupta graciously accepted the award certificate on behalf of both organizations, marking a significant milestone in the collaborative fight against oral cancer.

Oral cancer poses a severe public health challenge in India, largely fueled by high rates of tobacco use, betel nut consumption, and low awareness. Compounding these issues is the lack of adequate healthcare access, particularly in rural areas, which makes early detection and treatment difficult. These obstacles make it critical to develop new solutions to overcome the barriers to effective oral cancer screening and management.

This project aims to revolutionize oral cancer detection and treatment by developing a comprehensive, portable, and low-cost solution targeting high-risk populations. The innovative technology will incorporate AI-assisted autofluorescence and white light imaging for optical pathology diagnosis, ensuring early and accurate identification of pre-malignant and malignant lesions. Treatment will be initiated with tobacco cessation and facilitated through photo-biomodulation (PBM) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) for on-the-spot care of potentially pre-malignant lesions.

With this technology, ICanCaRe and Photodynamic Solutions Inc., Boston, are committed to transforming the way oral cancer is diagnosed and treated, particularly in underserved areas. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire team working on this groundbreaking initiative. Together, we strive to create a future where early detection of oral cancer is accessible to all, improving patient outcomes and saving lives.

Stay tuned for more updates on this revolutionary project!

#USISTEF #AwardWinner #CancerCare #AIForHealth #ICanCaRe #MaxOncology #InnovationInHealthcare #photodynamicsolutions #photobiomodulations #pawangupta #jonathancelli

Adopting Tobacco Cessation in Real World Clinical Practice

The first–ever full symposium focussing on tobacco Cessation was held at the just concluded 23rd Foundation for Head and Neck Oncology National Conference held at Daman from 22nd to 24th December. Thanks to the organizing committee for including this important topic in FHNO – Dr. Rajesh Kantharia, Dr. Prathamesh Pai, Dr. P. Arun, Dr. Dushyant Mandlik

The symposium was Chaired by Dr. Naresh Sharma,  HOD – Oro-maxillofacial Surgery, BHU, Varanasi, and conducted by Dr Pawan Gupta Sr. Director Surgical Oncology, MAX Institute of Cancer Care, Vaishali and founder of ICanCaRe.

Dr. Ajay Vidyarthi, HOD Surgical Oncology, Bhagwan Mahavir Cancer Sansthan, Patna spoke on “Integrating Tobacco Cessation to Improve Treatment Outcome in Clinical Practice”, highlighting the evidence for Tobacco Cessation in oncology practice.

A QUIZ – EVOLVE and ENGAGE Tobacco Cessation was conducted by the quiz MASTER – Dr. Suman Kharkwal (Delhi), HOD, Surgical oncology, ESI Hospital Delhi, and Coordinator – Dr. Bhavya Mishra fellow at MAX Hospital Delhi. The winners of the quiz were selected for the Scholarship for Certified Tobacco Cessation Specialist Course accredited by Gujarat University.

This was followed by a panel discussion. Prathamesh Pai, Dr. P. Arun, Dr. Dushyant Mandlik

The symposium was Chaired by Dr. Naresh Sharma,  HOD – Oro-maxillofacial Surgery, BHU, Varanasi, and conducted by Dr Pawan Gupta Sr. Director Surgical Oncology, MAX Institute of Cancer Care, Vaishali and founder of ICanCaRe.

Dr. Ajay Vidyarthi, HOD Surgical Oncology, Bhagwan Mahavir Cancer Sansthan, Patna spoke on “Integrating Tobacco Cessation to Improve Treatment Outcome in Clinical Practice”, highlighting the evidence for Tobacco Cessation in oncology practice.

A QUIZ – EVOLVE and ENGAGE Tobacco Cessation was conducted by the quiz MASTER – Dr. Suman Kharkwal (Delhi), HOD, Surgical oncology, ESI Hospital Delhi, and Coordinator – Dr. Bhavya Mishra fellow at MAX Hospital Delhi. The winners of the quiz were selected for the Scholarship for Certified Tobacco Cessation Specialist Course accredited by Gujarat University.

This was followed by a panel discussion “ADOPTING TOBACCO CESSATION in Real World Clinical  Practice”. The panel was moderated by Dr. Pawan Gupta and panelists were –

·      Dr. Ajay Vidyarthi (Patna)

·       Susan Samson Anant Mrs. Susan Samson, NGO (Vadodara)President, Faith Foundation, Vadodara

·       Dr Snehal Shah HN (Mumbai)

·       Dr. Suman Kharkwal (Delhi)

·       Dr AMEYA BIHANI HN Sr. Consultant, HCG Hospital (Indore)

·       Dr. Akhilesh Kumar Singh, Asso Prof, OMFS, BHU (Varanasi)

·       Dr. Uma Shankar Pal, HOD, OMFS, KGMU,  (Lucknow)

·       ghatdeep kaur Dr. Ghatdeep Kaur, Fellow, FHNO, MAX Hospital (Delhi)

TrisCaRe was given away to all the panelists and enthusiastic participants in the audience.

The symposium ended on a high note with everyone agreeing that Tobacco Cessation should be an integral part of the head and neck oncology practice and an integral part of the training during fellowship or specialization.

#icancareacademy #icancare #icancareepharmacy #icancarescholarships #CTCS #Tobaccocessation #FHNO #Bhavyamishra #IAPSM #sumankharkwal #pawangupta #ahmadzahoor #rajeshkantharia

Understanding the Link Between Smoking Cessation and Reduced Type 2 Diabetes Risk

In a groundbreaking collaboration, the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), and the University of Newcastle have released a policy brief emphasizing the significant health benefits of quitting smoking, particularly in relation to type 2 diabetes.

The Key Findings

– Reduced Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: The brief reveals that individuals who quit smoking can lower their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by an impressive 30-40%. This statistic highlights the profound impact that smoking cessation can have on one’s health, especially considering the prevalence and seriousness of type 2 diabetes.

– Impact on Blood Sugar Regulation: Smoking has been found to influence the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels. This dysregulation is a key factor in the development of type 2 diabetes, making smoking cessation a crucial step in mitigating this risk.

The joint policy brief by the WHO, IDF, and the University of Newcastle serves as a critical reminder of the power of lifestyle changes in preventing chronic diseases. For tobacco users, the decision to quit smoking can be a life-changing one, significantly reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and improving overall health. This information is not only crucial for individuals but also for healthcare systems and policymakers, guiding them in creating effective strategies to combat the dual challenges of smoking and diabetes globally.

In light of the significant findings from the joint policy brief by the WHO, IDF, and the University of Newcastle, the relevance of the ICanCaRe Tobacco Cessation Program becomes increasingly important. This program plays a crucial role in facilitating the journey towards a smoke-free life, especially for those at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

ICanCaRe Tobacco Cessation Program: A Beacon of Hope

1. Personalized Approach: The ICanCaRe program is designed to offer personalized support to individuals seeking to quit Tobacco. Understanding that each journey is unique, the program tailors its strategies to meet the specific needs and challenges of each participant. (www.app.icancare.in)

2. Comprehensive Support System: The program encompasses a range of support mechanisms, including counseling, behavioral therapy, and medical assistance in a protocol based approach provided by Certified Tobacco Cessation Specialists. This multi-faceted ABCD approach for tobacco cessation ensures that individuals have access to all necessary resources to 100% quit smoking or Chewing tobacco. The program is supported by

3. Educational Resources: ICanCaRe books and IEC materials also focus on educating participants about the health risks associated with smoking, including the increased risk of type 2 diabetes. By providing evidence-based information, the program empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health.

4. Community and Peer Support through TOBACCO MARSHALs: Recognizing the importance of a supportive community, the program trains TOBACCO MARSHALS (www.icancare.in/academy/marshal) to create influence in society.

References and Further Reading

For those interested in delving deeper into the topic, the following references provide valuable insights:

  1. World Health Organization, International Diabetes Federation, and the University of Newcastle. “Policy Brief on Smoking and Type 2 Diabetes.” This brief offers a comprehensive overview of the research linking smoking cessation to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.
  2. ICanCaRe. “Tobacco Cessation Program Overview.” www.icancare.in
  3. American Diabetes Association. “The Impact of Smoking on Diabetes and Diabetes Management.” This article discusses the implications of smoking on diabetes management and the benefits of cessation.
  4. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. “Smoking and Diabetes.” This resource offers a deeper understanding of how smoking affects diabetes risk and control.
  5. ICanCaRe. (2021). ABCD of Tobacco Cessation. https://www.icancare.org/abcd.html

Conclusion

The collaboration between the WHO, IDF, and the University of Newcastle, along with programs like ICanCaRe, highlights the critical intersection of smoking cessation and diabetes prevention. By leveraging these resources and programs, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes and improve their overall health, marking a substantial step forward in public health and personal well-being.

#icancare #diabetesandSmoking #smoking #quittobacco #icancareapp