ACTREC Marks World Head and Neck Cancer Day with Workshop to Strengthen Oral Cancer Screening Across Maharashtra
Navi Mumbai: Reinforcing the importance of early detection and prevention of oral and head and neck cancers, the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, organised a one-day workshop on “Oral and Head and Neck Cancer Screening and Basic Clinical Management” on Friday, ahead of World Head and Neck Cancer Day, observed annually on July 27.
Strengthening India’s Fight Against Oral Cancer.
The workshop, organised by the Division of Implementation Science and Behavioural Research (DISBR) under the Centre for Cancer Epidemiology (CCE) in collaboration with the Public Health Department, Government of Maharashtra, was held at the Mini Auditorium, Paymaster Shodhika, ACTREC, Navi Mumbai.
The programme highlighted the growing burden of head and neck cancers globally and in India, while focusing on strengthening the capacity of healthcare professionals in oral cancer screening, early diagnosis and multidisciplinary clinical management.
India Bears a Significant Share of the Global Burden
Head and neck cancers continue to pose a major public health challenge worldwide. According to GLOBOCAN 2024 estimates, nearly 1.02 million new cases and 470,000 deaths occur globally each year.
India accounts for almost one-third of the global burden, with an estimated 316,514 new cases and 141,063 deaths annually. Experts also warned that by 2050, the annual burden in India could rise dramatically to around 557,000 new cases and 263,000 deaths, underscoring the urgent need for prevention, early diagnosis and improved access to quality cancer care.
Capacity Building for Healthcare Professionals
The workshop brought together more than 100 medical officers, clinicians, dentists and public health professionals from Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and Raigad, all actively involved in cancer prevention and control programmes.
Designed in line with India’s National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), the training focused on evidence-based oral cancer screening techniques, early detection strategies and integrated clinical management.
Participants attended scientific sessions covering:
- Epidemiology and risk factors associated with head and neck cancers.
- Scientific evidence supporting oral cancer screening.
- Implementation strategies for large-scale screening programmes.
- Experiences from oral cancer screening demonstration projects.
- Maharashtra’s progress in strengthening population-based screening under the NP-NCD programme.
- Multidisciplinary management of head and neck cancers.
- Tobacco cessation services and their critical role in cancer prevention.
Launch of Oral Cancer Guide
One of the major highlights of the inaugural session was the launch of the Oral Cancer Guide, reflecting Tata Memorial Centre’s continued commitment to enhancing awareness, promoting timely screening and improving early detection of oral cancers.
Senior experts and dignitaries from the Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Division, Public Health Department, Government of Maharashtra, also shared updates on the state’s initiatives to strengthen oral cavity cancer prevention and control.
Strengthening India’s Fight Against Oral Cancer
The workshop concluded with a strong emphasis on empowering frontline healthcare professionals with updated knowledge and practical clinical skills to identify oral cancers at an early stage, thereby improving treatment outcomes and survival rates.
With oral cancer remaining one of the most common cancers in India, initiatives such as these are expected to play a crucial role in expanding screening coverage, increasing public awareness and strengthening the country’s overall cancer control efforts.
World Head and Neck Cancer Day, observed every year on July 27, serves as a global platform to encourage prevention, reduce exposure to risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol, promote awareness of early warning signs and ensure timely access to comprehensive cancer care.
