The ever increasing prevalence of cancers poses a major public health burden in India. Cancers are the leading cause of morbidity in India. Oral cancers are among the top three types of cancers in Indian subcontinent constituting 30% of all types of cancers. According to the International Agency of Research on Cancer – India's incidence of cancer is predicted to increase from 1 million in 2012 to more than 1.7 million in 2035. The issue is that such cases do not come to light in early stages, when they can be easily cured with few doses of medicines.
Paul Merchants in association with Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector – 32, NGO Parivartan have jointly started project “DOST” which aims at educating masses about the adverse effects of tobacco chewing and early detection and treatment of such cases by hosting oral check-up camps in and around Chandigarh.
Progress Report:
Under project “DOST” we have:
Completed Awareness Drive on “The Adverse effects of Tobacco” and “How can one check his mouth” among 480 Families residing in Dhanas with help of NSS Volunteers and Dedicated DOST Staff.
Started Oral Screening Camp in Dhanas and have screened over 200 tobacco chewing people.