Cancer is a disease which is still giving a major challenge to medical science globally in terms of timely detection and complete cure. Also, treatment for cancer costs a bomb. To help fund the treatment of cancer including their counseling and adequate nutrition, to offer a better life to cancer patients, to spread awareness around unhealthy lifestyle practices and the need for regular check up and early detection, a lot of Corporate Social Responsibility or CSR initiatives are regularly undertaken in India.
World Cancer Day is observed globally on the 4th of February every year. The theme for this year’s World Cancer Day is “United by Unique”. This theme emphasizes a people-centered approach to cancer care, placing individuals and their stories at the heart of the conversation. On this occasion, The CSR Journal takes a look into some of the top CSR initiatives undertaken for cancer patients in India in the last one year.
NTPC’s cancer screening initiative in Mira-Bhayander with Tata Memorial Centre
As part of its CSR effort, NTPC Ltd launched a major cancer awareness and screening program in Mumbai, in collaboration with Tata Memorial Centre on the eve of ‘World Tobacco Day’ in May 2024.
This initiative addressed the important issue of cancer and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and promoted public health in collaboration with Tata Memorial Centre. The cancer screening and awareness camp ran for four months in the Mira Bhayander Region, benefiting approximately 5,000 police personnel. On the first day, over 50 police personnel were screened. The day concluded with a presentation of a ceremonial cheque to Tata Memorial Hospital.
CSR collaboration to provide nutritious meals to cancer patients and their families in Kolkata
Digital lending company mPokket announced partnership with Roti On Wheels to distribute hot and hygienic meals to cancer patients and their families in Kolkata in May last year. Through this collaboration, mPokket and Roti On Wheels is serving nutritious food such as freshly made Roti and Sabji, with fresh fruit, to help those in need, near Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata every Thursday and Friday. The teams have been providing approximately 300-400 meals per day.
The initiative aims to address the nutritional needs of more than 3000+ individuals and their families, who often face immense financial and emotional challenges during their arduous medical battles.
RMHC’s Family Room at Government Cancer Hospital, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) India opened its second Family Room at the Government Cancer Hospital, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), Maharashtra in October 2024. Building on the success of its first Family Room at Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children in Mumbai, which has been serving thousands of families with kids suffering from cancer for over 8 years, this new facility advances RMHC India’s mission of providing a compassionate and supportive environment for families of paediatric cancer patients.
The new Family Room, located on the first floor of the paediatric department at the Government Cancer Hospital, will offer a peaceful place for families while their children receive treatment, ensuring they can stay close to their loved ones in a comforting space. Equipped with a comfortable waiting area, rest zones, and clean and hygienic child-friendly play areas, the Family Room is designed to ease the emotional and physical burdens of long hospital stays. This space allows families to recharge, rest, and prepare themselves to remain strong for their child’s recovery journey.
The Government Cancer Hospital, which serves over 9,000 patients annually from regions such as Marathwada, Vidarbha, and North Maharashtra, as well as border districts of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, plays a pivotal role in providing specialized care. Its Paediatric Oncology department caters to approximately 500 children every year. RMHC India is the Indian chapter of RMHC Global that has been working for 50 years to positively impact the health and well-being of children and their families.
AIMS Hospital, Dombivli Launches “Shakti” Breast Cancer Support Group
In honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, AIMS Hospital, Dombivli launched “Shakti,” a heartfelt support group designed to empower women affected by breast cancer in October 2024. The initiative aims to provide vital assistance to patients and their families, creating a space where cancer patients can draw strength from those who have triumphed over the disease.
“Shakti” focuses on educating women about breast health, encouraging self-exams, understanding diagnoses, and making informed treatment choices. With breast cancer on the rise in India, increasing awareness is crucial. Many women often miss early signs like lumps or unusual changes, leading to late diagnoses and severe consequences.
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women across the country. Sadly, many overlook early signs like lumps, changes in nipples, or unusual pain, often waiting too long to seek help. This can have serious consequences. “Shakti,” meaning “power,” is a support group that embodies the strength of those battling breast cancer. It offers a warm, welcoming space for patients to share their stories, find emotional support, and access essential resources.
CSR for free cancer screening and treatment in rural Karnataka, Maharashtra and Gujarat
Merck, a global leader in science and technology, has established strategic partnerships in India with the Rashtreeya Sikshana Samithi Trust, a not-for-profit organization and the HCG Foundation a unique not-for-profit initiative of HCG – South Asia’s largest cancer care network. These collaborations aim at facilitating free cancer screening and treatment support to rural areas of Karnataka, Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Under its partnership with HCG foundation, Merck will deploy Oral Cancer Screening Vans to promote educational awareness of oral cancer, along with conducting cancer diagnoses and screenings in the rural areas of Maharashtra and Gujarat. Through this program, Merck plans to organize around 100 cancer camps, benefiting at least 10,000 rural residents by providing screening and education on the symptoms and prevention of oral cancer.
Continuing its focus on enhancing access to cancer care, Merck and the Rashtreeya Sikshana Samithi Trust are working together to raise awareness about cancer care and provide treatment to people in approximately 600 villages in Karnataka.
These initiatives will offer people in the targeted areas, free consultations and lab investigations such as Sugar Tests, BP and BMI measurements, along with physical oral check-ups, Trismus testing, and screenings through digital apps, to assess their overall health, potential risk factors, pre-cancerous lesions and offer counselling on the next appropriate actions.
Cancer hospital launched in Chennai with CSR support
Sringeri Sharada Equitas Hospital Multispecialty & Cancer Care is a dedicated cancer hospital in Gowrivakkam, Chennai. The 100-bedded hospital provides advanced cancer treatment at the most affordable rates to economically challenged segments. The hospital is a joint initiative of Equitas Healthcare Foundation, a part of Equitas SFB’s CSR program and Sringeri Sharada Mutt.
Sringeri Sharada Equitas Hospital, focussed on Cancer cum Multispecialty, is equipped with state-of- the-art facilities and technologies to provide comprehensive cancer care, including surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, immunotherapy, paediatric oncology targeted therapy, physiotherapy and cancer rehabilitation, medical and surgical gastroenterology, critical care, cancer pain management, wellness and lymphedema clinic. All treatments at the facility are led by a team of highly experienced and qualified oncologists, radiologists, surgeons, and other medical professionals who are committed to offer the best possible care to all patients, irrespective of their stature in the society.
Apart from Oncology treatment, the hospital has a 24-hour modern laboratory, Imaging and cancer screening facility and pharmacy along with three ultra-modern operation theatres and ICU. It also has a lifestyle disorder and diabetes clinic where regular wellness and health check-ups are conducted.
FUJIFILM India donates CAD EYE technology to Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute in Guwahati
In a significant move towards enhancing healthcare and early-stage cancer detection, FUJIFILM India, a leader in healthcare technology, has donated the state-of-the-art CAD EYE technology to Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute (BBCI) Hospital in Guwahati, Assam. This philanthropic initiative aims to provide free patient health checkups in the region and represents FUJIFILM India’s commitment to advancing medical technology and nurturing a healthier society.
Gastric cancer is the fifth most common occurring cancer in Indian men and the seventh most common in women. Furthermore, the Northeastern region bears the highest cancer incidence in India, compounded by elevated risk factors and insufficient cancer treatment infrastructure, highlighting the importance of finding timely detection and strategies to tackle this cancer.
Fujifilm’s CAD EYE at BBCI Hospital in Guwahati is poised to be a significant step in detecting Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. Using advanced imaging and artificial intelligence (AI), CAD EYE aids early-stage detection by analyzing endoscopic images for subtle abnormalities. This boosts diagnostic accuracy and facilitates timely intervention, improving patient outcomes. Such integration at BBCI Hospital showcases the power of leveraging innovative tech in the fight against gastro cancers, reinforcing its position in modern healthcare.
