Mumbai, May 26, 2026: Ahead of World No Tobacco Day 2026, the Head and Neck Cancer Institute of India (HNCII), India's first and only dedicated institute focused exclusively on head and neck oncology, partnered with NGO Salaam Bombay Foundation and conducted a tobacco awareness and health screening initiative for employees at Mantralaya, Maharashtra's administrative headquarters. The programme aimed to raise awareness about the health risks associated with tobacco consumption, encourage preventive healthcare practices, and promote overall wellbeing among government employees. 

More than 200 screenings were conducted for employees and visitors as part of the initiative, making it one of the largest health screening drives conducted at Mantralaya this year. HNCII's team of specialist doctors conducted screenings for the early detection of cancers, alongside awareness sessions and game-based activities on the health risks of tobacco use and the importance of timely intervention, reaching over 550 individuals.

The initiative comes at a time when healthcare experts are raising concerns about delayed cancer diagnosis in India. Nearly 60–70% of cancer cases in the country are detected at advanced stages, often limiting treatment options and outcomes. With tobacco continuing to be a leading preventable risk factor for oral, head and neck cancers, experts emphasise that greater awareness, regular screening, and early intervention remain critical to reducing the cancer burden.

Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Sultan Pradhan, Chairman and Senior Surgical Oncologist, Head and Neck Cancer Institute of India (HNCII) said, “Head and neck cancers account for a significant proportion of cancer cases in India, and awareness around early screening and preventive oral healthcare remains extremely important. This year’s World No Tobacco Day theme, ‘Unmasking the Appeal: Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction,’ strongly highlights the need for greater awareness, preventive action, and timely intervention. Through this initiative at Mantralaya, our objective was to encourage proactive health check-ups, facilitate awareness, and bring expert-led screening closer to people in their workplaces. HNCII remains committed to strengthening awareness and early detection efforts.”

Hon'ble Aditi Tai Tatkare, Minister for Women and Child Development, Maharashtra said, “Such activities play a very important role in promoting preventive healthcare and creating awareness among employees about regular health check-ups and oral health. We heartily appreciate HNCII, Health Department, Government of Maharashtra and Salaam Bombay Foundation for organizing this meaningful activity in the Ministry on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day.”

Salaam Bombay Foundation supported the implementation of the initiative as part of its ongoing efforts towards public health awareness and tobacco control advocacy across Maharashtra.

HNCII is recognised for its specialised expertise in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of head and neck cancers, including oral cancers, skull base tumours, thyroid cancers, speech and rehabilitation support, and multidisciplinary cancer care.