Kolkata 31 May 2025: To address issues like limited access to cancer screening, cancer related tests and lack of awareness about common cancer, one of the leading purpose-driven technology-led oncology platform Medella Karkinos Oncology Institute (Karkinos Healthcare Kolkata) in association with Barrackpore Auto Union organised a cancer screening program for over 100 auto-rickshaw drivers and their family members at Barrackpore in North 24 Parganas on World No Tobacco Day to encourage people to quit tobacco, get tested regularly and highlight the importance of early detection in the treatment of cancer.
A health education program was also conducted to inform participants about the various risk factors associated with common types of cancer. They were also counselled to quit tobacco consumption like smoking, chewing tobacco etc. They also underwent health check-ups and screenings for certain types of cancers like head & neck, oral, lung, etc. The objective of the program was to create awareness about importance of regular health check–up, risk factors associated with cancer and prevention among the Drivers.
Dr. Akther Jawade, Director East, Karkinos Healthcare said, “Cancer cases in West Bengal are rising at an alarming rate. Tobacco use is a major contributor to life-threatening illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Unfortunately, tobacco addiction is growing rapidly. While various factors can lead to cancer, tobacco consumption remains the most significant and dangerous cause. The lack of screening camps, awareness and myth associated with cancer also contribute to mortality and high morbidity among the marginalised community. This can be significantly reduced through comprehensive cancer education, organised screening initiatives, and early detection efforts. To address this issue, Medella Karkinos Oncology Institute (Karkinos Healthcare Kolkata) has partnered with the Barrackpore Auto Union to raise awareness about cancer and assess risk factors among auto-rickshaw drivers and their families in the Barrackpore region. At Karkinos Healthcare, we firmly believe it is our collective duty to promote a tobacco-free lifestyle for reduced risk of cancer, better health, improved quality of life and overall well-being of communities across West Bengal.”
A highly experienced Medical Team headed by Dr. Samujjwal Das, Consultant, Maxillofacial and Head & Neck Oncosurgery, Karkinos Healthcare, was present to conduct the cancer screening program.
About Medella Karkinos Oncology Institute: Medella Karkinos Oncology Institute is a comprehensive cancer care hospital as part of Karkinos Healthcare’s Distributed Cancer Care Network (DCCN) with facilities such as radiation oncology (Halcyon- Radiation machine), medical oncology and surgical oncology, under one-roof. It is a 50 bedded hospital with fully equipped ICU and OT for handling complicated cancer surgeries backed with an in-house team of experienced Onco-pathologists, technologists and board of advisors comprising of global experts. Medella Karkinos Oncology Institute is dedicated to providing holistic cancer care, from community-level screening and awareness to the most advanced diagnostic and treatment modalities. Through a network of Karkinos labs located across the country, the hospital enables access to advanced molecular and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) diagnostics, which are pivotal in understanding the unique genetic makeup of a patient’s cancer. This precision allows for highly targeted therapies, moving towards a future of more effective and individualised cancer management.
Medella Karkinos Oncology Institute is located at 87F, BT Road, Kamarhati, Agarpara, Kolkata 700058.
