HCG Cancer Hospital KR Road Marks World No Tobacco Day with Large-Scale Cancer Screening Drive for Auto Drivers
Bengaluru: Marking World No Tobacco Day, HCG Cancer Hospital KR Road, Bengaluru, organized oral and lung cancer screening camp on a mega scale exclusively for auto-rickshaw drivers, bringing together preventive healthcare, cancer awareness, and community outreach under one initiative. The event witnessed participation from over 250 auto drivers from across the city, highlighting the growing need for focused healthcare interventions among vulnerable occupational groups.
The screening initiative was officially flagged off at the hospital premises Ms. Manisha Kumar, Chief Operating Officer of Karnataka, HCG, and senior members of the clinical team.
Auto drivers spend long hours navigating through dense traffic, pollution, dust exposure, irregular eating patterns, and stressful work conditions. Coupled with the widespread use of tobacco in both smoking and smokeless forms, these factors significantly increase their risk of developing oral and lung cancers. The initiative was conducted with the objective of encouraging early detection and creating greater awareness around the harmful impact of tobacco consumption.
As part of the camp, participants underwent oral cancer screenings, preliminary lung health evaluations, and medical consultations conducted by HCG specialists. The drivers were also educated on identifying early symptoms associated with cancer, the importance of timely screenings, and the long-term health benefits of quitting tobacco.
Commenting on the initiative, Ms. Manisha Kumar, Regional Business Head – Karnataka, HCG Cancer Hospital, said, “World No Tobacco Day serves as an important reminder that awareness and early action can save lives. Through this initiative, we wanted to reach a community that remains highly exposed to cancer risk factors but may not always have access to routine preventive care. At HCG, our focus continues to be on taking cancer awareness and screening beyond hospital walls and making healthcare more accessible to communities that need it the most.”
Dr. Manjunath NML, Senior Consultant Surgical Oncology, HCG Cancer Hospital, KR Road, said, “Oral cancer continues to be one of the most preventable yet most commonly diagnosed cancers in India, and tobacco remains its single biggest risk factor. What makes the situation concerning is that many individuals ignore the early warning signs until the disease reaches an advanced stage. Communities such as auto drivers, who are constantly exposed to pollution and often vulnerable to tobacco dependence due to occupational stress, require focused screening and awareness interventions. Through initiatives like this, we aim to encourage timely screening, early diagnosis, and informed lifestyle choices that can significantly reduce the burden of cancer in the long run.”
Dr. Satheesh CT, Senior Consultant Medical Oncology at HCG Cancer Hospital, KR Road, said, “Tobacco use and prolonged exposure to air pollution are among the leading risk factors for lung cancer and several chronic respiratory diseases. Auto-rickshaw drivers, by the nature of their profession, are exposed to both on a daily basis, often without realizing the cumulative impact on their health. Regular health screenings play a critical role in identifying early warning signs before symptoms become severe. Through HCG initiatives like this, we hope to encourage greater awareness, early detection, and healthier lifestyle choices that can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.”
The clinical team at HCG also emphasized that oral cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in India, with tobacco use continuing to be one of its leading causes. They noted that early-stage detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes and reduce the burden of advanced disease.
Drivers identified with suspicious symptoms or high-risk findings during the screening were guided for further diagnostic evaluation and follow-up care at HCG Cancer Hospital KR Road.
Through initiatives such as these, HCG continues to strengthen its commitment towards preventive oncology, community awareness, and early cancer detection, while encouraging healthier lifestyle choices.
