Noida, September 9, 2026: Oral cancer often begins with subtle signs that are easy to miss but important not to ignore. A sore that does not heal, an unusual patch in the mouth, or a wound persisting beyond two weeks may seem minor but can be early warning indicators of a serious condition.
Through its new awareness campaign, ‘Taalo Mat Pehchaano’, Medanta, one of India’s largest private multi-specialty tertiary and quaternary care providers, seeks to help people recognise these signs early and encourage timely medical consultation before they are dismissed or delayed.
The Challenge
- Around 1.4 lakh people per year — nearly 400 per day — are diagnosed with oral cancer in India.
- Key risk factors include chewing tobacco, smoking, alcohol consumption, poor oral hygiene, oral pre-cancerous lesions, sharp teeth, and ill-fitting dentures.
Dr. Naresh Trehan, Chairman & Managing Director, Medanta Gurugram: “Healthcare institutions have an important role to play in making health conversations part of everyday life. A sore or ulcer in the mouth that persists for two weeks or more can sometimes be a sign of a serious underlying condition. With ‘Taalo Mat Pehchaano’, our intent is to make people more aware of health risks and reach out to doctors in case of wounds that do not heal. When people feel comfortable asking questions, seeking advice and acting before a condition advances, we strengthen not just individual outcomes but the health of communities.”
Dr. Alok Thakar, Director, Head & Neck Cancer, Medanta Noida: “Many people tend to overlook changes in their mouth or delay getting them checked because they do not cause much discomfort in the beginning. This is where awareness becomes important. People should be comfortable discussing even small or unusual changes with a doctor, rather than waiting for them to worsen. With ‘Taalo Mat Pehchaano’, we hope to encourage this simple shift in behaviour and make timely consultation a part of oral health.”
Campaign Initiatives
- Interactive Oral Cancer Awareness Zone at Medanta Noida with educative material to help people understand their stage of risk.
- Mobile information vans travelling across high-footfall public spaces to spread awareness.
- Awareness zones at select PSUs and corporate offices.
- Digital film and doctor-led informative video launched on social media to highlight the importance of recognising changes in the mouth early.
S.M.I.L.E. Check & 2-Week Rule
At the heart of the campaign is the S.M.I.L.E. mnemonic:
- S – Sores and ulcers that don’t heal.
- M – Mouth patches (white or red).
- I – Ill-fitting dentures.
- L – Loose teeth.
- E – Eating difficulties.
The 2-Week Rule reinforces that if a patch, ulcer, or sore persists for more than 14 days, it must be evaluated by a specialist.
Medanta’s Approach
Oral cancer care at Medanta follows a multidisciplinary model, bringing together:
- ENT and Head & Neck Surgeons.
- Radiation and Medical Oncologists.
- Dental Practitioners.
- Nutritionists.
- Rehabilitation and Restorative Specialists.
This integrated approach supports personalised treatment while addressing speech, functionality, and long-term wellness.
Helpline
Medanta has launched a dedicated helpline: 📞 88-0000-1068 Enabling people to seek medical guidance and connect with super specialists across Medanta’s hospitals in Gurugram, Lucknow, Patna, Indore, Noida, and Ranchi.
About Global Health Limited (Medanta)
Founded by Dr. Naresh Trehan, a world-renowned cardiovascular and cardiothoracic surgeon and recipient of the Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, and Dr. B.C. Roy Award, Medanta is one of the largest private multi-specialty tertiary care providers in North and East India.
- Operates six hospitals (Gurgaon, Indore, Ranchi, Lucknow, Patna, Noida).
- Spanning 5.6 million sq. ft. with 3,737 installed beds (as of June 30, 2026).
- Five upcoming hospitals in Mumbai, Delhi (Pitampura, South Delhi), Guwahati, and Varanasi.
- Provides healthcare services across 30+ specialties with 2,400+ doctors.
📩 Media Contact: Sumantika Choudhury | sumantika.choudhury@medanta.org | 9830056185