HealthCare Global Enterprises (HCG), South Asia’s largest cancer care network and Rotary Southwest Club partnered and kicked off 'Stop Smoking, Add Life to years' campaign as part of its cancer prevention drive. The campaign was launched by Nagabharana, film director and Ragini Dwivedi, Actor in the presence of Dr Shekhar Patil, medical oncologist, HCG and Bhagwan SK. A guide on the crusade theme was also released.

As part of the campaign, HCG would offer an integrated de-addiction programme that combines well proven modules of psychotherapy, relaxation, diet and yoga that helps in managing addiction successfully. The nine-day de-addiction programme (June 5, 2010 to June 13, 2010) would be conducted under the guidance of Dr Raghavendra Rao, consultant, HCG – Cancer Prevention Programme.

Sharing his thoughts on the World No Tobacco Day, Dr Shekhar Patil, medical oncologist, HCG, said “Worldwide prevalence of smoking is around 1.30 billion. Smoking causes 4.40 lakh deaths each year and it is estimated that ban of tobacco worldwide would reduce the incidence of cancers by 46 per cent.”

Against this background, Dr Raghavendra said, “We are keen to champion the ‘Stop Smoking, Add Life to Years’ campaign and thereby prevent various tobacco related disorders that afflict people from all walks of life.” According to him the scientifically designed de-addiction programme would motivate and improve individual’s will power and also help them to successfully cope with withdrawal syndrome.

Actor Ragini Dwivedi, stressed on the number of women smokers increasing day by day. She said, “A lot of women start the habit at a young age primarily during their teens and continue as they feel; by smoking they exemplify confidence and exuberance, which is not true, they do not realize the fact that all this only leads to various health risks, like cancer, heart disease, infertility etc.”