Medanta, one of India's largest private multi-specialty tertiary and quaternary care providers, has launched an awareness campaign titled 'Taalo Mat Pehchaano' to help people identify early warning signs of oral cancer and seek timely medical consultation. The initiative comes amid a rising disease burden, with nearly 1.4 lakh people diagnosed with oral cancer in India every year, translating to almost 400 cases a day.
The campaign draws attention to key risk factors linked to oral cancer, including chewing tobacco, smoking and alcohol consumption, as well as contributing concerns such as poor oral hygiene, pre-cancerous lesions, sharp teeth and ill-fitting dentures. As part of its on-ground outreach, Medanta has set up an interactive Oral Cancer Awareness Zone at its Noida facility, while mobile information vans will travel to high-footfall public spaces across cities to spread the campaign message. Additional Awareness Zones are planned at select public sector undertakings and corporate offices.
Healthcare institutions have an important role to play in making health conversations part of everyday life. A sore or ulcer in the mouth that persists for two weeks or more can sometimes be a sign of a serious underlying condition. With ‘Taalo Mat Pehchaano’, our intent is to make people more aware of health risks and reach out to doctors in case of wounds that do not heal. When people feel comfortable asking questions, seeking advice and acting before a condition advances, we strengthen not just individual outcomes but the health of communities.
- Dr. Naresh Trehan, Chairman & Managing Director, Medanta
Many people tend to overlook changes in their mouth or delay getting them checked because they do not cause much discomfort in the beginning. This is where awareness becomes important. People should be comfortable discussing even small or unusual changes with a doctor, rather than waiting for them to worsen. With ‘Taalo Mat Pehchaano’, we hope to encourage this simple shift in behaviour and make timely consultation a part of oral health.
- Dr. Alok Thakar, Director, Head & Neck Cancer, Medanta Noida
Central to the campaign is the S.M.I.L.E. Check, a mnemonic meant to help people remember common warning signs: sores or ulcers that do not heal, mouth patches that appear white or red, ill-fitting dentures, loose teeth, and difficulty eating. The campaign is also anchored by a '2-Week Rule', which advises that any mouth patch, ulcer or sore lasting more than 14 days should be evaluated by a specialist rather than ignored. Medanta has released a digital film and a doctor-led video on social media to reinforce these messages.
Oral cancer treatment at Medanta follows a multidisciplinary approach involving ENT and Head and Neck Surgeons, Radiation Oncologists, Medical Oncologists, Dental Practitioners, Nutritionists, and Rehabilitation and Restorative Specialists, aimed at supporting personalised care alongside long-term speech and functional recovery. The campaign builds on Medanta's earlier cancer awareness efforts around breast and prostate cancer. People seeking guidance can reach Medanta's helpline at 88-0000-1068, which connects callers with specialists across its hospital network in Gurugram, Lucknow, Patna, Indore, Noida and Ranchi.
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