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

Tobacco MARSHAL Program Launched in Odisha to Combat Rising Tobacco Menace

Bhubaneswar | April 13, 2025

In a powerful move to combat the growing menace of tobacco addiction and oral cancer in Odisha, I CAN WIN Foundation, in collaboration with ICanCaRe and Gupta Distributors, launched the Tobacco MARSHAL Program in Bhubaneswar. The introductory session was held at the Hanspal office of Gupta Distributors, graciously hosted by Mr. Prerit Gupta, Director, and supported by Mr. Rajesh Gupta, Chairman, Gupta Group of Businesses.

Led by Dr. Pawan Gupta, Senior Director – Surgical Oncology at MAX Hospitals, Delhi NCR, and Founder of ICanCaRe, the session educated the audience on early signs of oral cancer—highlighting the campaign message: “Catch Cancer at Stage 0 with Chhota Daana.”


👥 Dignitaries and Key Participants

The session witnessed the enthusiastic participation of several prominent individuals:

  • Mr. Biswajit Patra, Businessman and Secretary Elect, Rotary Club Bhubaneswar, expressed commitment to partner with ICanCaRe to take the Tobacco MARSHAL initiative to grassroots through Rotary channels.
  • Mr. Prashanna Kumar Mishra, Advocate, Odisha Bar Association, proposed tobacco awareness camps at Cuttack High Court for members of the legal community.
  • Mr. Rakesh Barick, Secretary, SAI Sports Association & Manager at Panasonic Odisha, showed interest in organizing a mega awareness drive with a seating capacity of 1000.
  • Ms. Ipshita Sarkar, Psycho-oncologist, actively addressed psychological aspects of tobacco addiction and guided participants through mental health aspects of cessation.

🔬 Real Impact: From Awareness to Action

The event was not just informative but also action-oriented:

  • Three participants were screened and found with restricted mouth opening and lesions, who were immediately guided for further diagnosis and treatment.
  • The revolutionary device TrisCaRe was introduced as a vital solution for trismus management in oral cancer and pre-cancer cases.

Dr. Pawan emphasized the availability of structured medical treatment to help individuals quit tobacco and highlighted the digital quitline (📞 9773856664) and the ICanCaRe App-based Quit Program that provides behavioral and pharmacological support.


💬 Questions That Matter

One of the most relevant and heartfelt questions came from Mr. Prerit and Mr. Anis:
“How can one resist peer pressure when everyone in the friend circle uses tobacco and alcohol?”
Dr. Pawan’s response was direct and empowering:

“Motivation is the key—and the good news is that medical treatment is available to help quit tobacco. With proper support and medication for just 3 months, one can be free from cravings and withdrawal symptoms.”

Mr. Anis, inspired by the session, immediately scheduled a consultation to help his father begin the tobacco cessation journey.


🔗 Watch the Full Program Here

📺 YouTube Live – Gupta Distributors https://www.youtube.com/live/vhsUxES-aKA


🌱 The Beginning of a Movement in Odisha

The session ended on a hopeful note, with Mr. Rajesh Gupta committing full support to the #SaveTheYouth campaign in Odisha. Volunteers came forward to enroll as Tobacco MARSHALs and pledged to spread awareness in schools, offices, and communities.


📞 Call to Action

💬 Want to be a part of this movement?
🔗 Register as a Tobacco MARSHAL here: www.icancare.in/academy/marshal
📞 Helpline: 9773856664
📧 Email: support@icancare.com

Together, let’s kill the modern demon – Tambaku-Asur.
Let’s save lives. Let’s save our youth.


https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/introducing-tobacco-marshal-odisha-groundbreaking-step-towards-whdcc

Tobacco Awareness Session at Prometheus School, Noida – February 12, 2025

🚭 Tobacco Awareness Session at Prometheus School, Noida – February 12, 2025

A powerful awareness session was conducted at Prometheus School, Noida, engaging 200 students in a critical discussion on the dangers of tobacco and vaping.

🔹 Organized by the Interact Club, led by Samaera Rana and Arush, the event was chaired by Mr. Mukesh Sharma, Chairman of the institution.
🔹 The session emphasized a zero-tolerance approach towards all forms of tobacco use, including vaping.
🔹 As a recognition of her leadership in promoting the cause, Samaera Rana was honored with the Tobacco MARSHAL Cap, Badge, and Mug by Akansha Sethi.

The message was clear: Say NO to tobacco and vaping – for a healthier future! 🚫🚭

Watch the instagram reel – https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGBHbllyuKK/?igsh=MWZrY2hrbjIxZXpnZg==

 

Album : https://photos.app.goo.gl/VevYCymkKEYp1Vw9A

 

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