On World No Tobacco Day 2025, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai launched an inspiring campaign to tackle India’s growing oral cancer crisis. The #IPromise initiative is a powerful call to action, raising awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and offering free oral cancer screenings to empower communities to take charge of their health. With oral cancer cases on the rise—primarily linked to tobacco consumption—this campaign is a timely and critical step toward prevention and early detection. Let’s dive into why this matters, how you can get involved, and what you need to know to protect yourself and your loved ones.
The Alarming Rise of Oral Cancer in India
India faces a daunting challenge with oral cancer, which accounts for nearly 30% of all cancer cases in the country, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The primary culprit? Tobacco use, whether smoked or chewed, is responsible for over 80% of oral cancer cases. From cigarettes and bidis to gutkha and paan, tobacco’s grip on millions is fueling a public health crisis. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that India has over 270 million tobacco users, making it one of the highest-burden countries globally.
Oral cancer often starts silently, with subtle symptoms like mouth sores, persistent pain, or difficulty swallowing that many dismiss until it’s too late. Early detection can increase survival rates to over 80%, but late diagnoses drop that number to below 50%. Apollo Hospitals’ #IPromise campaign is designed to change this trajectory by educating people and providing accessible screenings to catch warning signs early.
What Is the #IPromise Campaign?
Launched on May 31, 2025, in alignment with World No Tobacco Day, the #IPromise campaign by Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai is a multi-faceted effort to combat oral cancer. It combines public education, free screening camps, and expert-led discussions to drive home the message: quitting tobacco and prioritizing regular check-ups can save lives. The campaign encourages individuals to pledge to quit smoking and spread awareness, creating a ripple effect in communities.
Dr Anil D’Cruz, Director of Oncology and Senior Head & Neck Onco Surgeon at Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai, emphasized the importance of prevention. “Tobacco is a preventable cause of cancer, yet it claims countless lives due to lack of awareness and delayed diagnosis,” he said in an interview with Free Press Journal. Dr Sataksi Chatterjee, Consultant Head & Neck Onco Surgeon, added that early detection through screenings could be a game-changer, urging people to take advantage of the free camps.
The initiative has been praised for its proactive approach. By setting up screening camps across Navi Mumbai, Apollo Hospitals makes healthcare accessible to diverse groups, from urban professionals to rural communities. The campaign also leverages social media with the hashtag #IPromise, encouraging people to share their pledges to quit tobacco and inspire others.
Why Tobacco Is a Silent Killer
Tobacco contains over 7,000 chemicals, including at least 70 known carcinogens, according to the American Cancer Society. When smoked or chewed, these chemicals damage DNA, leading to uncontrolled cell growth that can form tumours in the mouth, throat, or tongue. Chewing tobacco, common in India, is particularly harmful because it keeps harmful substances in direct contact with the oral tissues for prolonged periods.
Here are some eye-opening facts about tobacco and oral cancer:
- High Risk: Smokers are 5-10 times more likely to develop oral cancer than non-smokers, per the National Cancer Institute.
- Chewing Tobacco: Products like gutkha and paan masala increase the risk of oral cancer by up to 8 times, according to a 2023 study in the Indian Journal of Cancer.
- Secondhand Smoke: Even non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke face a 20-30% higher risk of cancers, including oral cancer.
- Youth Vulnerability: Over 14% of Indian youth aged 13-15 use tobacco, as per WHO, setting the stage for long-term health risks.
Beyond cancer, tobacco use is linked to heart disease, lung disorders, and reproductive issues, making it a multi-organ threat. Quitting isn’t just about avoiding cancer but reclaiming your overall health.
How to Spot Oral Cancer Early
One of the most significant barriers to fighting oral cancer is late detection. Many people ignore early signs, mistaking them for minor issues. Here’s what to watch for:
- Persistent sores or ulcers in the mouth that don’t heal within two weeks
- Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or inner cheeks
- Unexplained pain or numbness in the mouth or lips
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking
- Lumps or swelling in the neck or jaw
- Chronic bad breath or a change in voice
If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t wait—consult a healthcare professional immediately. Apollo Hospitals’ free screening camps are an excellent opportunity to get checked without financial burden. You can find a camp near you by visiting Apollo Hospitals’ official website.
How to Get Involved in #IPromise
The #IPromise campaign is more than a hospital initiative—a movement. Here’s how you can join the fight against oral cancer:
- Take the Pledge: Commit to quitting tobacco and share your story on social media with #IPromise. Tag @ApolloHospitals to amplify the message.
- Get Screened: Visit one of Apollo’s free oral cancer screening camps in Navi Mumbai. Check their events page for schedules.
- Spread the Word: Talk to friends and family about the dangers of tobacco. Share resources like the WHO’s tobacco control page or Cancer India’s awareness portal.
- Support Quitters: Encourage loved ones trying to quit by connecting them with resources like QuitNow or India’s National Tobacco Quitline (1800-11-2356).
- Learn More: Educate yourself with trusted sources like the American Cancer Society or the Indian Cancer Society.
Tips for Quitting Tobacco
Quitting tobacco is challenging but achievable with the right strategies. Here are practical tips to help you or a loved one break free:
- Set a Quit Date: Choose a date within the next two weeks and stick to it. Mark it on your calendar to build commitment.
- Find Support: Join a support group or seek counselling. Apps like QuitSure offer guided plans tailored to Indian users.
- Replace Habits: Swap tobacco use with healthy habits like chewing gum, drinking water, or practising deep breathing.
- Manage Cravings: Nicotine replacement therapies (like patches or gum) can ease withdrawal symptoms. Consult a doctor for options.
- Stay Motivated: Remind yourself of the benefits—better health, more energy, and saving money. Track your progress with apps like Smoke-Free.
The Bigger Picture: Why World No Tobacco Day Matters
World No Tobacco Day, observed annually on May 31, is a global initiative led by WHO to highlight the health risks of tobacco and advocate for stronger anti-tobacco policies. In 2025, the theme focuses on protecting youth from tobacco industry tactics, a critical issue in India where aggressive marketing targets young people. Apollo Hospitals’ campaign aligns with this mission, emphasizing grassroots action to curb tobacco use.
The initiative isn’t alone. Organizations like Jupiter Hospital Thane have also launched awareness drives, signalling a growing movement to tackle tobacco-related diseases in India. By participating in campaigns like #IPromise, you’re joining a nationwide effort to create a tobacco-free future.
A Call to Action
Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai’s #IPromise campaign is a wake-up call to prioritize your health and take a stand against tobacco. Whether you’re a smoker, a chewer, or someone exposed to secondhand smoke, now is the time to act. Get screened, pledge, and spread the word. Together, we can reduce the burden of oral cancer and build healthier communities.
Let’s make 2025 the year we say no to tobacco for good.