On July 27, we commemorate World Head and Neck Cancer Day each year. To mark the occasion, the Public Health Department of Maharashtra and the Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, organized a scientific workshop for dentists this year.

Tata Memorial Centre and the Public Health Department of Maharashtra have collaborated on the "Access to Affordable Cancer Care for One and All" project to improve affordability and accessibility for cancer patients. The goal is to enhance district government institutes, make cancer care more accessible, and reduce preventable cancer incidence.

In 2016, a pilot project was launched in six Maharashtra districts, followed by Phase-I in six more. The project expanded to cover the remaining districts. On July 31, 2023, Dr. Rajendra Badwe, Dr. Shripad Banavali, Dr. Vijay Baviskar, and Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi announced the project at Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai during World Head and Neck Cancer Day week.

During the workshop's inaugural function, the dignitaries on the dais released the interim project report. In addition, Maharashtra Oral Cancer Warriors wasofficially launched to strengthen oral cancer services at the district level. The Maharashtra Cancer Warriors (MCWs) are a group of TMH alumni oncologists who volunteer in their respective districts. The MCWs have taken a commendable step by offeringfree medical and surgical oncology services at District Civil Hospitals.

The Public Health Department of Maharashtra received appreciation from Dr. Badwe for their efforts in cancer prevention and capacity building of health services staff. He acknowledged their work on early detection, screening, and prevention of common cancers, along with the establishment of cancer day care centers at district civil hospitals.

Dr. Bawiskar presented an overview of cancer control activities conducted by the Public Health Department of Maharashtra in collaboration with Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai.

Dr. Banavali discussed the significance of NCD screening and emphasized improving cancer care services at the district level through the implementation of cancer procedures.

Dr. Chaturvedi explained the concept behind launching the Maharashtra Oral Cancer Warriors and detailed the cancer control activities carried out under the "Access to Affordable Cancer Care for One and All" project.

A scientific workshop in Maharashtra attracted 200 delegates from the Public Health Department, Government Dental Colleges, and private associations. The highlight was a live demonstration by Head and Neck Cancer surgeons showcasing oral cancer identification and biopsy techniques.