Kolkata, 30 May, 2025 : In response to the alarming rise in oral cancer cases in India, Apollo Cancer Centres (ACC) has launched the OraLife Screening Program, a nationwide initiative aimed at the early detection of oral cancer. The launch coincides with World No Tobacco Day and marks a strategic partnership with the Isha Foundation to provide holistic support for tobacco cessation.
India accounts for nearly one-third of global oral cancer cases, with 77,000 new diagnoses and 52,000 deaths reported annually. Tobacco users are six to seven times more likely to develop oral cancer, yet early screening can dramatically improve survival rates.
The OraLife initiative emphasizes routine oral examinations, public awareness, and targeted screenings for high-risk individuals—especially tobacco users, alcohol consumers, and those with HPV-16 infections or prior lesions. Apollo aims to foster a culture of preventive healthcare, urging all individuals over 30 to undergo regular screenings.
“Oral cancer is one of the few cancers that can be detected early through a simple oral examination,” said Dr. Shaikat Gupta, Director of Surgical Oncology at Apollo Cancer Centre, Kolkata. “Our goal is to detect cases before it’s too late.”
ACC has also unveiled its CutTheCost campaign, highlighting the financial burden of tobacco use. Research shows tobacco users spend over ₹1.1 lakh more on healthcare than non-users. The campaign seeks to prompt users to reassess the true cost of tobacco—including its emotional and economic toll on families.
To support mental and emotional recovery, the initiative incorporates the Isha Foundation’s “Miracle of Mind” app—a free meditation tool that offers guided sessions, motivational messages, and mental wellness support. “This partnership integrates physical and emotional care, a pillar of Apollo’s holistic oncology approach,” said Dr. Surinder Singh Bhatia, Director of Medical Services, Eastern Region.
Oral cancer, increasingly common among Indian women, is closely linked to smokeless tobacco, betel quid, and alcohol use. Underserved communities with limited access to preventive care remain especially vulnerable.
Apollo Cancer Centres operate across India with over 390 oncologists and cutting-edge technology, including South Asia’s first Pencil Beam Proton Therapy Centre. With a legacy of over 30 years, Apollo remains committed to comprehensive, world-class cancer care.
