Sri Ramakrishna Institute of Oncology and Research (SRIOR), Sri Ramakrishna Hospital, on Saturday (May 30) observed World No Tobacco Day with an awareness programme on the harmful effects of tobacco use and the importance of cancer prevention.

Commissioner of Police N. Kannan launched the “Cancer awareness spin wheel” QR code, a digital awareness platform developed to educate the public about the dangers of tobacco use. He emphasised the need for a continuous public awareness programme to reduce tobacco consumption.

The programme was presided over by Sundar Ramakrishnan, managing trustee, SNR Sons Charitable Trust, who said that spreading awareness is essential in reducing the burden of cancer and improving public health.

SRIOR director Guhan said the institution has been spreading awareness about tobacco and cancer prevention for the past 23 years through cancer awareness videos, e-books, websites and WhatsApp chatbots.

Explaining the new “Spin wheel” QR code initiative, he said the game-based platform was designed to make awareness programmes more engaging and accessible to all age groups. The platform categorises tobacco users into different groups and provides awareness of immediate and long-term health consequences. It also delivers messages in Tamil and English with audio-enabled accessibility features.

Dr. Guhan advised the public not to ignore warning signs such as white patches inside the mouth, difficulty swallowing food or water and voice changes. He cautioned that products such as pan masala and gutka are equally harmful as smoking. He also noted that one in every nine deaths in India is linked to tobacco-related causes.

As part of World No Tobacco Day, Sri Ramakrishna Hospital is conducting oral cancer screening tests. Free screening is being offered four days a week between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., along with medical counselling and guidance for people wishing to quit tobacco habits.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Karthikesh, surgical oncologist, Sri Ramakrishna Institute of Oncology and Research.