PINK ANGEL KOLKATA with SCB 86

Completion Report
PINK ANGEL Empower Her Course
Date: 10th – 12th January 2025
Venue: Ibiza – The Fern Resort & Spa, Kolkata


Introduction:

The PINK ANGEL Empower Her Course, held from 10th to 12th January 2025, was a remarkable initiative by the ICanCaRe Women Health Initiative, organized in collaboration with the MAX Institute of Medical Education and Skills (MIME) and the ICanCaRe Academy. Focused on addressing two crucial health challenges—Breast Cancer and Tobacco Control, the course brought together experts and participants for an enriching and action-oriented program.


Objective:

The course aimed to empower healthcare professionals (HCPs) and healthcare workers (HCWs) with advanced knowledge and tools to combat breast cancer, promote tobacco control, and strengthen preventive strategies.


Course Directors:

The program was spearheaded by an expert panel of course directors:

  • Dr. Manisha Pandey, MD (Hon. Director, ICanCaRe Women Health Initiative)
  • Prof. (Dr.) Pawan Gupta, M.Ch (Surgical Oncologist, Founder – ICanCaRe Academy)
  • Dr. Rashi Agrawal, MD (Clinical Oncologist)
  • Dr. Vanita Mittal (General Manager, MIME).

Their collective vision and leadership ensured the program’s success, delivering a unique blend of academic excellence and practical skills development.


Faculty for Kolkata:

The sessions at the Kolkata course were led by an experienced and inspiring faculty team:

  • Dr. Subhra Dhar (Pathologist and Pink Angel Course Convenor, Kolkata)
  • Dr. Debasish Dutta (Pink Angel Course Faculty)
  • Dr. Swadhin Bharati Mohanty (O&G Specialist, ICanCaRe Women Health Initiative).

The faculty’s expertise, passion, and dedication provided participants with actionable insights into cancer prevention and treatment strategies.


Program Highlights:

Focused Themes:

  1. Breast Cancer: Sessions emphasized early detection, advanced treatment modalities, and holistic approaches to patient care for this significant health concern.
  2. Tobacco Control: Workshops and discussions focused on the critical need for tobacco cessation to reduce cancer risk and promote public health.

Diverse Participation:

The program witnessed the participation of 57 healthcare professionals from diverse fields of medicine and dentistry, enriching discussions with a multi-disciplinary perspective.

Expert Insights and Networking:

Esteemed speakers and guests included:

  • Dr. Madhabnanda Kaur (Director, AIIMS Bibinagar)
  • Dr. Prashat Raghav Mohapatra (Dean, AIIMS Bhubaneswar)
  • Dr. Mami Parija (Founder, Amrit Dhara)
  • Dr. Srijit Das (Professor, Oman)
  • Dr. Sanat Bhuyan (Professor and HOD, OMR, SUM Dental, Bhubaneswar)
  • Dr. Ruchi Bhuyan (Director Research, SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar).

These eminent dignitaries shared valuable insights and ideas on extending this mission to a larger audience of HCPs and HCWs.

Residential Learning Experience:

The serene setting of Ibiza – The Fern Resort & Spa provided the ideal environment for focused learning, meaningful networking, and enjoyable interactions.

Certification:

Participants received certificates of completion, recognizing their commitment to advancing women’s health and tobacco control.


Outcomes:

Empowerment Through Education:

Participants gained practical tools and actionable knowledge to enhance their efforts in breast cancer care and tobacco control.

Collaborative Learning:

The presence of participants from diverse specialties encouraged the sharing of best practices and a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care.

Building Networks:

The program fostered new collaborations, creating a strong community dedicated to improving healthcare outcomes for women.


Feedback and Response:

  • The program was highly praised for its balance between academic rigor and practical application.
  • Participants appreciated the opportunity to engage with experienced faculty and interact with renowned experts.
  • The residential format and informal networking sessions added a personal touch to the overall experience.

Acknowledgments:

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to:

  • Dr. Manisha Pandey, Prof. (Dr.) Pawan Gupta, Dr. Rashi Agrawal, and Dr. Vanita Mittal for their exceptional leadership as course directors.
  • Dr. Subhra Dhar, Dr. Debasish Dutta, and Dr. Swadhin Bharati Mohanty for their dedicated efforts as faculty.
  • The 57 participants for their active engagement and commitment, which made the program a grand success.
  • Our esteemed dignitaries for their valuable contributions and guidance in shaping this mission.

Conclusion:

The PINK ANGEL Empower Her Course was a resounding success, combining learning, collaboration, and actionable strategies to tackle breast cancer and tobacco use. The event reinforced the commitment of ICanCaRe Academy, MIME, and its partners to advancing cancer care and prevention through education and teamwork.

We look forward to continuing this journey with more impactful initiatives in the future!

📸 For Pictures: https://photos.app.goo.gl/Vy9gWbPKc4R4fTNh7
📝 Detailed Write-up: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/pink-angel-course-kolkata-icancare2015-ypbmc

For any further details or support, please contact us at:


Prepared by:
Vinali Gupta
On behalf of ICanCaRe Women Health Initiative

 


 

📸 Photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/Vy9gWbPKc4R4fTNh7
📝 Write-up: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/pink-angel-course-kolkata-icancare2015-ypbmc

#PinkAngel #WinOverCancer #BreastCancerAwareness #TobaccoControl #ICanCaRe #EmpoweringHealthcare #SCB86 #MIMES #pawangupta

FB post – https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19vT6kTNfj/




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

 

21st Tutorial for Certified Tobacco Cessation Specialists

The 21st tutorial for Certified Tobacco Cessation Specialists took place on MAY 15th, 2024, with Dr. Anshika Pandey as the lead presenter. 21 CTCS participated.

Highlights:

1.     3 cases were discussed one presented by Dr.  Anshika Pandey and 2 by Dr. Mohammad Mustaffa.

a.     Dr. Anshika presented a case of a 38-year-old gentleman who had a relapse of tobacco. Initially, this patient was treated in the year 2021 but relapsed and has now successfully quit going cold turkey with sequential therapy. The patient has been given a TrisCaRe mouth-opening device.

b.     The patient had a mouth opening of 25 mm at the start but this increased to 30 mm within 10 days of quitting tobacco and regular use of TRISCARE – mouth opening device, the same increased to 40 mm over a period of 3 months on regular use of Triscare.

c.     Dr. @mustaffa mohammMustaffa presented a case of cancer of the tongue who received Radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The patient has severe trismus. He was treated initially for tobacco cessation and now is being treated for trismus with Triscare mouth-opening device.

d.     USE of triscare was discussed in detail. For patients with SMF and also for Patients with Cancer of Oral Cavity.

e.     Another patient with SMF and tobacco use was discussed. Dr Mustaffa showed a video of using hyaluronidase with Lignocaine and dexamethasone injection for the same. Nice inputs were provided by Dr Abhishek Bhadranna , Dr. Varsha B.K, Dr. ds aruna, Dr. Syeda Arshiya, and Dr. Suman Kharkwal.

f.      Dr. Abhisekh Bhadrana will provide a protocol for intra-lesional injection for SMF care.

g.     USE of Mechanical mouth opening device (#TRISCARE) was emphasized.

h.     Dr. Syeda Arshiya proposed doing a multi-arm trial to look for the efficacy of TRISCARE the mouth-opening device.

2.     Special Medication Pricing: Information about exclusive pricing for tobacco-related medications in clinic settings for Certified Tobacco Cessation Specialists was shared to enhance treatment accessibility.

3.      ICanCaRe in various forums: Through the extension of contacts and representations of our CTCS

Dr. Pawan Gupta conducted two ORAL ONCOLOGY CONNECT programs  – with a Dental specialist at Rampur on the 1st of May and another with Dental Specialists at Saharanpur on the 12th of May 2024. The Oral Oncology Connect program emphasizes oral cancer control through screening, tobacco cessation, and early diagnosis and treatment.

4.  Mrs. Sonal Bhatia and Dr. Pravesh Singh invite everyone to join SYNC-ENERGY, a holistic health approach by ICanCaRe completing six months.

·       Community Engagement and Advocacy: Emphasis was placed on self-promotion and advocating tobacco cessation in the community and among fellow healthcare professionals. The #advisequittobacco and save the youth campaign by ICanCaRe were focal points. Participating in the Educational Blogs and various ICanCaRe forums.

·       ICanCaRe Acknowledgment: Dr Pawan Gupta stressed the importance of CTCS acknowledging ICanCaRe in all presentations, online and offline. Dr. Pawan Gupta suggested that ICanCaRe will extend support in form of scholarships for any representations in various forums. Additionally, it was decided to create an ICanCaRe template for various occasions for our CTCS to use in their social media. Members requested a unified presentation for community outreach based on the SAVEtheYouth campaign.

The monthly ICanCaRe Academy Tutorial for CTCS was praised for providing a platform to discuss complex cases and find solutions for successful tobacco cessation. The program, held on the 15th  of each month 9-10 PM, encourages active participation. Those interested in submitting cases or obtaining further information can contact Dr. Mariya, Dr. Siddhi Hathiwala, Dr. Anshika, or Dr Abhishek Bhadranna. Aspiring CTCS professionals can explore the certification process at www.icancare.in/academy/ctcs.

Stay connected with ICanCaRe Academy on social media using #icancareacademy #icancaretutorial #icancare #siddhi #pawangupta #CTCS #icancare #mariya #anshikapandey #abhishekbhadranna #triscare #CTCStutorial