NEW DELHI: Tata 1mg, India’s trusted digital health platform, has launched a comprehensive online cancer care platform that aims to be a one-stop destination for people diagnosed with cancer, their family and friends, to access reliable and accurate information curated by a team of experts. This first-of-its-kind, information-led Cancer Care platform can be accessed at 1mg.com/cancer-care. It is designed by an expert editorial team at Tata 1mg under the guidance of oncology experts to provide patients and caregivers with in-depth guidance at various steps of their treatment journey. The platform includes rich and relevant information such as content regarding different types of cancer, prominent oncologists in different cities across India, patient support and access programs, NGOs working in the field of cancer care and statewide financial schemes.
India ranks third among nations in terms of highest number of cancer cases. Getting to know that you or a loved one has cancer is one of the toughest and most painful situations to be in. Even before starting to look for a treatment and cure, one tends to get overwhelmed by the lack of control, emotional trauma and enormous complexity in the ecosystem. The platform aims to empower patients and caregivers and help them navigate this difficult journey.
Announcing the launch of the platform, Prashant Tandon, Co-Founder and CEO, Tata 1mg, said, “Cancer as a condition is significantly difficult not only for the patient, but also for the entire ecosystem around them. In every case, we find that there is too much chaos and uncertainty. I am very happy to announce the launch of our Cancer Care Platform with a single objective: Making cancer care as seamless and as efficient as it can be. I hope that through this platform, we can enable an easier and much more humane experience for patients and caregivers, and bring transparency, quality and trust to the delivery of cancer care.”
The innovative platform is being launched as part of the overall cancer care work that Tata 1mg has been doing for many years in the country to help patients get authentic medicines, quality diagnostic tests, e-consultation with specialists, curated information, and other offerings at affordable prices within the comfort of their homes.
Tata 1mg is already working with over 1 lakh cancer patients to provide them with support and access to services, cancer medicines, and several diagnostic tests. Tandon added, “We look forward to further enhancing the platform in the near future. The mission is to support and empower people and families affected by cancer and bridge the gap between cancer and care.” In addition, the company has announced that it is also going to further build a comprehensive cancer care program that will offer holistic cancer care assistance and services such as cancer medicines, advanced diagnostics, chemotherapy tests, second opinions from reputed hospital partners, etc.
“One of the biggest myths about cancer is that it is the end of everything”, said Dr Ayush Makkar, practicing surgical oncologist, Punjab Cancer Care & Multispeciality Hospital. “Cancer is very much a 'treatable disease’, if we get to diagnose it in early stages. Early, prompt and effective treatment are the three critical pillars that will help save lives. The treatment mainly includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and the upcoming immunotherapy.”
Tata 1mg also launched Cancer Awake-a-thon, a unique, 24-hour nationwide campaign to bridge the awareness gap around cancer. Under the theme of “Real Stories, Real Impact” the nationwide campaign showcased real stories, catered to the misinformation through expert-vetted content, and celebrated the spirit of perseverance and hope of the cancer warriors and ecosystem contributors. Hundreds of cancer survivors, warriors, oncologists, health coaches and ecosystem partners, came forward to share their experiences and encounters with cancer.
1 in 9 people are likely to develop cancer in their lifetime. Key factors leading to cancer are dietary habits, inadequate physical activity, tobacco and alcohol consumption. That said, a large number of cancers are preventable by simple lifestyle measures. When it comes to cancer, a little awareness goes a long way.
