Tag: Tobacco

Pedaling Towards a Tobacco-Free Tomorrow: My Message on World No Tobacco Day 2025

Pedaling Towards a Tobacco-Free Tomorrow: My Message on World No Tobacco Day 2025

“What legacy are we leaving behind—addiction or awareness?”

It was an honour to serve as Guest of Honour at the World No Tobacco Day Cyclothon 2025 at DLF Mall of India, Noida. Representing Max Hospital Vaishali as Senior Director of Surgical Oncology, I was deeply moved by the collective energy and purpose of the event—Pedaling with Purpose—for a tobacco-free tomorrow.

Tobacco remains one of the leading causes of preventable cancers, particularly oral and lung cancers. Every single puff, chew or dip takes someone one step closer to disease and despair. But hope lies in awareness, action, and timely intervention.

This Event Was a Movement, Not Just a Ride

It was a rallying cry for every citizen to take charge—not just of their health, but of their community. I asked everyone present to become a Tobacco Marshal in their homes, workplaces, and neighborhoods.

Here are three powerful messages I urge each of you to carry forward:

1. BE SMART. DO NOT START.

Prevention is the strongest cure. Say NO to the first puff, the first chew—because that’s where the battle is won.

2. QUITTING IS POSSIBLE.

You don’t have to fight addiction alone. Medical therapy and counseling are available, and they work.
 📞 Call Quitline: 9773856664
 📧 Email: support@icancare.com
 🌐 Visit: www.quittobacco.icancare.com
 Or walk into the ICanCaRe Tobacco Cessation Centre at Max Vaishali for support tailored to your needs.

3. SELF-CHECK YOUR ORAL CAVITY MONTHLY.

Early detection saves lives. Look for any “Chota Daana” (small lump/lesion) or non-healing ulcer.
 If in doubt, do not wait—visit Max Vaishali for non-invasive screening and treatment options.

Let us remember: Health is not just a personal goal—it’s a collective responsibility. The success of this event lies not only in participation but in what we do next.

💬 Be the voice that says NO.
 💪 Be the hand that helps someone quit.
 🛡️ Be the Tobacco Marshal your community needs.

Together, we can outpace tobacco—and make India stronger, cleaner, and cancer-free.

– Dr. Pawan Gupta
 Senior Director – Surgical Oncology
 Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali

Founder – ICanCaRe Tobacco Wellness Program

#WorldNoTobaccoDay #Cyclothon2025 #TobaccoFreeIndia #ICanCaRe #MaxVaishali #CancerAwareness #TobaccoControl #QuitTobacco #BeATobaccoMarshal #OralCancerAwareness #pawangupta #WNTD2025

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/pedaling-towards-tobacco-free-tomorrow-my-message-world-gupta-l8fac

Walkathon 2025: Walking Towards a Healthier Future

“A proactive lifestyle can be a powerful line of defense against disease.”

On the refreshing morning of April 27, 2025, the city of Moradabad witnessed an inspiring spectacle as Rotary Club of Moradabad Brass City and MAX Superspeciality Hospital, Vaishali hosted its much-awaited Annual Walkathon, under the theme “WALK FOR HEALTH.”

Dr. Pawan Gupta, Senior Director of Surgical Oncology at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali,, proudly represented Max Healthcare at this remarkable event. Present was renowned Dietitian Sonal Bhatia who has been working tirelessly for tobacco eradication and creating TOBACCO MARSHALS and PINK ANGELs in the society. 

A Walk Towards Wellness

At the break of dawn, over 300 spirited participants — students, social workers, and community members — assembled with a common mission: to advocate for healthier living.
 The 4-kilometer Walkathon was a vibrant tapestry of determination and hope, weaving together individuals from all walks of life in a shared journey towards better health.

The event was graced by Chief Guest Rtn. Payal Gaur, the District Governor Designate for 2026-27, whose presence added to the enthusiasm and energy of the gathering.

Dr. Pawan Gupta’s Inspiring Message

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Pawan Gupta emphasized that health is a lifelong commitment, not a one-time effort. He urged everyone to adopt three essential pathways to holistic wellness:

1. The Way We Live

  • Incorporate exercise and meditation into daily routines.

  • Rise early to embrace the day with vitality and positivity.

  • Choose a healthy lifestyle over momentary comforts.

2. What We Eat

  • Embrace wholesome, nutritious foods, especially green leafy vegetables.

  • Eliminate tobacco and alcohol from life — choices that steal health and happiness.
  • Quitting tobacco is possible with medical therapy – call 977385664 to register

3. Regular Check-Ups

  • Prioritize routine screenings for chronic illnesses.

  • Monitor oral health closely, especially for individuals at high risk due to tobacco use.

  • Early detection of lesions can save lives.

In his words,
 “The journey to health begins with small, consistent steps — and today’s Walkathon is a testament to that spirit.”

A Community United by Purpose

The event beautifully showcased how collective efforts can drive powerful change. Children, parents, educators, and social workers walked side by side, symbolizing a united front against diseases rooted in lifestyle choices.

The Walkathon was not just a physical journey but a movement towards conscious living.

Glimpses of the Event

You can relive the vibrant moments of the day through this photo gallery:
 🔗 Walkathon 2025 Photos

Let’s keep the momentum alive!
 Every step counts. Every choice matters.
 Together, we can walk towards a healthier, happier tomorrow.

Join the movement. Inspire change. Embrace health.

 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/LugXzKtSBLv95jMS8

PICS – 

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/walkathon-2025-walking-towards-healthier-future-gupta-by6uc

#HealthForAll #WalkForHealth #MaxHealthcare #CancerPrevention #TobaccoFreeLife #WellnessJourney #CommunityHealth #pawangupta #icancare #tobacco #WALKATHON2025

Taming Oral Cancer in Odisha: A Community-Driven Call to Action

By Prof. Dr. Pawan Gupta
 MS (Gen Surgery), M.Ch. (Surgical Oncology), FAIS, FSOG
 Founder – ICanCaRe | Surgical Oncologist | Tobacco Cessation Advocate
 📍 LinkedIn | 🌐 www.drpawangupta.in
 📧 pawan@icancare.com | ☎️ 9773856664

🧠 Why Odisha Needs Urgent Intervention

Odisha holds the unfortunate distinction of having one of the highest oral cancer incidence rates in the world. The prime culprit? Chewing tobacco—widely consumed in forms like Khaini, Gudaku, Gutka, and Paan.

Despite being a highly preventable and early-detectable disease, oral cancer is claiming thousands of lives due to delayed intervention and lack of awareness.

🗓️ A Powerful Dialogue with Rotary Club of Bhubaneswar

On April 21, 2025, I had the privilege of conducting an impactful session titled:

“Taming Oral Cancer in Odisha – The Need for Tobacco MARSHALS”

This was hosted by the oldest Rotary Club in Odisha and presided over by:

  • President: Mr. Jnana Ranjan Rath

  • Secretary: Mr. Saroj Ku Mohapatra

  • Coordinator: Mr. Biswajit Patra

The interaction was spirited, solutions-driven, and community-committed.

🔍 The Stark Reality

  • 📌 50%+ of tobacco chewers are likely to develop oral cancer.

  • 📌 11.3% of youth (aged 15–17) in Odisha already use tobacco – well above the national average.

  • 📌 Most patients present in Stage III or IV, when outcomes are poor and costs are high.

🛠️ Our Mission: SAVE the Youth Campaign

We introduced the SAVE model, which forms the backbone of our strategy:

S.A.V.E.

Action

S – Sensitization

Schools, Colleges, Corporates, Communities

A – Assistance

Quitlines, Apps, Online Consults, E-pharmacy

V – Volunteering

Training of Tobacco MARSHALS

E – Enforcement

Tobacco-free zones, Policy Advocacy

We also showcased easy self-screening tools like:

  • 🔹 The Chota Daana Test

  • 🔹 The Four Finger Mouth Opening Test

💬 Community Speaks, Support Rises

Several community leaders stepped forward:

  • Mr. Arun Ku Rath and Mrs. Gitu Rath committed full support to expand the SAVE the youth campaign across Odisha and in Odia communities in Delhi.

  • Mr. Tanmay Das proposed setting up a dedicated Oral Cancer Centre, managed by ICanCaRe.

  • Mr. Prerit Gupta (Gupta Distributors) pledged sponsorship for the Tobacco MARSHAL starter kits.

Also present was Dr. Mami Parija, Devi Awardee and founder of Amrit Dhara Palliative Unit, who strongly advocated prevention care.

🔬 Innovation Meets Compassion

I demonstrated TrisCaRe—our patented device to help individuals with restricted mouth opening (a common side-effect of tobacco use).
 Combined with our ICanCaRe App, trained specialists, and community outreach, this forms a robust, scalable model for real change.

🚀 Be Part of the Movement

We’re not just treating cancer—we’re preventing it.

You can be part of the solution:

✅ Volunteer as a Tobacco MARSHAL
 ✅ Help establish a cessation or screening centre
 ✅ Adopt the SAVE model in your school, office, or city
 ✅ Support us in taking this to the last mile

🧩 Let’s shift from “Why me?” to “Not me!”

💬 Final Word

The passion is high, the need is urgent, and the execution has begun.
 Together, we can make Odisha a global example in cancer prevention and youth wellness.

📩 For partnerships, volunteering, or program details:

🌐 www.icancare.com
 📧 support@icancare.com | ☎️ 9773856664
 📲 Download the ICanCaRe App

🔖 Tags:

#OralCancer #TobaccoControl #TobaccoMarshal #SAVEtheYouth #ICanCaRe #ChotaDaana #OdishaHealth #QuitTobacco #TrisCaRe #CancerPrevention #BeSmartDoNotStart #HealthAwareness

Prof. Dr. Pawan Gupta MS ( Gensurgery) M.Ch. (OncoSurgery), FAIS, FSOG

PROFILE of PAWAN GUPTA

www.linkedin.com/in/drpawangupta

www.drpawangupta.in

pawan@icancare.com