Surat, 6th June 2025: In a powerful step toward changing the narrative around cancer detection in India, Elite Hemat Onco Care Centre, in association with Merck Specialties Private Limited, has officially launched unique oral cancer awareness campaign titled “Two-Minute Action for Oral Cancer Protection.” The initiative comes at a critical time as the country continues to grapple with an alarming rise in oral cancer cases, many of which are diagnosed at advanced stages due to lack of awareness and preventive action.
The launch event, held at Elite Hemat Onco Care Centre, with the presence of Dr. Kaushal Patel, Director and Consulting Medical Oncologist, Dr. Krina Patel, Chief Executive Officer, and medical officers Dr. Sagar Ghoghari and Dr. Krutika Koladiya, all of whom echoed the same sentiment — prevention starts with awareness, and awareness begins with action.
Oral cancer continues to be one of the most common and deadliest forms of cancer in India, with statistics revealing that five lives are lost to it every hour. An estimated 65% of oral cancer cases are detected only in the later stages, drastically reducing survival rates and treatment outcomes. In an attempt to change this, the campaign advocates a simple yet life-saving message — a quick, monthly two-minute oral self-check could mean the difference between early detection and late-stage suffering.
India sees nearly 2 lakh new head and neck cancer cases each year, with oral cancer forming a major chunk of that burden. Shockingly, nearly 60 to 70 percent of these patients are diagnosed when the disease is already in its advanced stages. Despite the alarming figures, public awareness remains disproportionately low.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Kaushal Patel, Director and Consulting Medical Oncologist, Elite Hemat Onco Care Centre, Surat remarked, “We often lose precious time simply because people don’t realize that cancer can begin as something as small as a patch in the mouth. This campaign aims to change that. If checking your mouth for two minutes each month can help detect cancer early, it’s not just a habit—it’s a lifesaver.”
Dr. Kaushal Patel emphasizes that early detection is the cornerstone of effectively treating oral cancer. He highlights that common warning signs—such as persistent red or white patches in the mouth, sores that do not heal for more than 2 weeks, swelling in the gums or cheeks, unexplained bleeding, or hoarseness of voice—should never be ignored.
Dr. Patel strongly advocates for routine self-examinations and regular dental or medical check-ups, especially for high-risk individuals. “Oral cancer is preventable and highly curable when caught early.
As part of the campaign activation, specially designed awareness standee with mirror will be installed in hospital waiting areas to encourage people to examine their mouths for early warning signs mentioned on standee such as red or white patches, non-healing sores, swelling, or changes in voice. The idea is to promote self-responsibility through the simple action of “Feel. Look. Act.” – empowering individuals to take charge of their health before it’s too late, added Dr Patel.
For ongoing updates and to spread awareness, the campaign invites citizens to follow and share the hashtag #ActAgainstOralCancer, helping the message reach deeper into communities and households across the nation.
Website :- https://www.elitehematoncocarecentre.com
