Bangalore, June 02nd, 2025: Marking “World No Tobacco Day”, HCG Cancer Centre, Bangalore, successfully conducted a Free Lung Cancer Screening Camp for Traffic Police and the General Public. The initiative saw active participation from healthcare professionals, of the public and traffic police, aiming to promote early detection and encourage tobacco cessation through timely intervention.
The event welcomed individuals with a history of smoking for five years or more, offering them a comprehensive screening package. This included a free consultation with both a Medical Oncologist and an Interventional Pulmonologist, an oral examination conducted by a Head and Neck Surgeon, and a low-dose CT scan of the chest, if medically indicated.
The HCG initiative focused on the urgent need for early diagnosis, especially since an estimated 7 out of 10 lung cancer cases are linked to tobacco use. By identifying potential risks early, HCG hopes to empower individuals to take proactive steps towards ensuring their health and quality of life.
Ms Manisha Kumar, Regional Business Head Karnataka, Healthcare Global Enterprises, said, “At HCG Cancer Centre, our approach goes beyond cancer treatment as we are deeply invested in prevention. By promoting regular screenings and creating awareness about tobacco’s devastating impact, we aim to reduce the voluminous incidence of preventable cancers. Public health initiatives that are rooted in communities constitute the best path to lasting change in common perceptions about both health and disease. Knowledge empowers people to voluntarily make healthier choices.”
Dr. Roshini Dasgupta, Consultant – Medical Oncology, HCG Cancer Centre, said, “Cigarette smoke contains a mix of toxins that can damage almost every organ in the body, and confirms the undeniable link between tobacco and cancer. Since awareness levels remain alarmingly low in many parts of the country; our goal, as healthcare providers, is not only to treat the disease but to prevent, or arrest it, through education and timely screening; considering that even occasional tobacco use can trigger dangerous outcomes.”
The camp was amply ed by Dr. Shalini Thakur, Consultant – Head & Neck Surgery, Dr. Mallikarjun, Consultant – Interventional Pulmonology, and Dr. Shivkumar Swamy, Consultant – Onco-Radiology, all of whom were present on-site, to evaluate and counsel the participants.
The screening camp and street awareness initiative together reinforced HCG’s commitment to cancer prevention, community engagement, and result-oriented, timely intervention.