Mumbai, 29 May 2026: Ahead of World No Tobacco Day, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), in association with the Head & Neck Cancer Institute of India (HNCII), India’s first and only dedicated institute for Head & Neck Oncology, organised a large-scale cancer screening and awareness initiative for MSRTC bus drivers and staff to promote early detection of tobacco-related diseases and encourage preventive healthcare practices among frontline transport workers.

The screening drive, conducted as a pilot initiative at the MSRTC Bus Depot, Mumbai Central, witnessed participation from MSRTC drivers and staff members, who underwent cancer screenings conducted by specialist doctors and healthcare professionals from HNCII. Given the nature of their profession, which involves long hours on the road and demanding schedules, preventive healthcare initiatives and regular screenings are especially important for transport workers.

India continues to bear a significant burden of head & neck and other tobacco-related cancers, with tobacco use remaining one of the leading risk factors. According to global health estimates, South-East Asia accounts for a significant share of the world’s tobacco users, making awareness and preventive screening critical, particularly among working populations that may have prolonged exposure to tobacco habits, stress, irregular schedules, and limited access to regular healthcare check-ups. The initiative also included awareness sessions on the harmful effects of tobacco consumption, warning signs of tobacco-related cancers, and the importance of timely medical intervention.

Healthcare experts emphasise that one of the biggest challenges in cancer care is delayed diagnosis. Head & neck and other tobacco-related cancers, when identified at an early stage, are significantly more treatable and manageable. However, in many cases, patients seek medical attention only when symptoms progress to advanced stages, significantly impacting treatment outcomes and survival rates.

Speaking on the initiative, Dr. Sultan Pradhan, Chairman and Senior Surgical Oncologist, Head and Neck Cancer Institute of India (HNCII), said, “Early diagnosis can make a life-saving difference in cancer treatment outcomes. Through this initiative with MSRTC, our goal is not only to conduct screenings but also to create awareness among drivers and transport workers about the importance of recognising symptoms early and seeking timely medical care. Tobacco-related cancers are preventable to a large extent, and awareness combined with regular screening can help reduce the burden significantly.”

Vaibhav Kamble, Depot Manager, MSRTC - Mumbai Central, added, “MSRTC’s drivers form the backbone of Maharashtra’s public transport network, and their health and well-being remain a priority for us. This initiative, organised ahead of World No Tobacco Day, is an important step towards encouraging preventive healthcare and creating awareness about the risks associated with tobacco consumption. While this marks our first such collaboration with HNCII, we look forward to continuing similar health and awareness initiatives in the future to support the overall well-being of our workforce. We are pleased to partner with HNCII for this meaningful public health effort.”

By bringing screening services directly to drivers and staff members, the initiative aimed to improve access to healthcare and encourage regular health check-ups. The programme can serve as a model for similar screening and awareness initiatives across the MSRTC network, supporting early detection and timely medical intervention.

World No Tobacco Day, observed annually on May 31, is led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and advocate for stronger public health measures to reduce tobacco consumption globally.

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