Resource Centre for Tobacco Control (RCTC)

• Persistent mouth ulcer or lump lasting more than 3 weeks

• White or red patches inside the mouth or on gums

• Persistent cough lasting more than 3 weeks or coughing up blood

• Hoarseness of voice or difficulty swallowing

Awareness programmes on the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are being conducted for school students from diverse communities in Chennai and Madurai from 2013 to the present. Following a community-based survey, students are educated about the harmful effects of tobacco, alcohol and other substance abuse. The programme also highlighted the importance of a healthy diet and regular physical activity, while explaining the link between unhealthy lifestyle choices and NCDs. Students are further oriented on the legal provisions related to tobacco consumption under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003. Through this sustained initiative, approximately 100,000 students have been sensitized to the importance of healthy lifestyle practices and the prevention of NCDs.

Awareness programmes are being conducted among tobacco-selling shopkeepers in various communities across Chennai and Madurai to promote compliance with the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003. Signage boards highlighting the provisions of Sections 4 and 6A were installed at tobacco-selling shops, emphasizing the prohibition of smoking in public places and the restrictions on the sale and promotion of tobacco products. Through this initiative, more than 600 shopkeepers were sensitized and empowered to support tobacco-control measures and promote a healthier community.

Women from selcted communities in Chennai were sensitized and screened for breast and cervical cancer through awareness programmes focused on the harmful effects of tobacco, healthy lifestyle practices, genital hygiene, and the importance of regular screening. The programme also addresses common myths and misconceptions about cancer, the benefits of early detection, and the warning signs and symptoms of breast and cervical cancer. In total, 5,000 women were sensitized and screened through this initiative.

Recognizing the need for accessible screening among high-risk populations, the Cancer Institute (WIA) has been organizing free lung cancer risk assessment and screening in the communities of Semmanchery, Kannagi Nagar, and Perumbakkam. The initiative primarily focuses on men aged 40 years and above who are at increased risk of lung cancer, particularly those with a history of tobacco use. Community-based screening helps identify individuals who may require further medical evaluation, while creating opportunities to address tobacco-related health risks at an early stage. Alongside screening, participants receive health education and tobacco cessation counselling, with individuals requiring further evaluation being referred for appropriate medical care.

Due to limited awareness and inadequate access to tobacco-cessation services, communities remain vulnerable to tobacco-related, life-threatening diseases. To address this concern, awareness and screening programmes were conducted among various communities in Chennai and Madurai. Through this initiative, more than 3,000 tobacco users were screened and informed about the health risks associated with tobacco use and the importance of quitting.

World No Tobacco Day

World No Tobacco Day is observed every year on 31 May to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and to strengthen efforts towards a tobacco-free society. It is marked through a range of awareness, advocacy, prevention, and tobacco cessation activities including anti-tobacco rallies, community awareness campaigns, school programmes, IEC activities, and initiatives encouraging tobacco users to quit.

World Cancer Day

World Cancer Day is observed every year on 4 February to raise awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and survivorship, while encouraging collective action towards a healthier future. It is marked through a range of awareness, advocacy, prevention, and community engagement activities, including walkathons, human chains, awareness campaigns, educational programmes, screening initiatives, and activities promoting healthy lifestyles and tobacco cessation.

National Cancer Awareness Day

National Cancer Awareness Day is observed every year on 7 November to raise awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and the importance of timely care.

Youth Health Mela

The Youth Health Mela is a large-scale public health awareness initiative that brings together students and members of the public across Chennai. The event provides an interactive platform to learn about NCD prevention, healthy lifestyles, cancer awareness, tobacco control, nutrition, physical activity, and other important aspects of health and well-being. Through engaging awareness activities and health-focused initiatives, YHM aims to equip young people with the knowledge and confidence to make informed health choices and become advocates for healthier communities. The key focus areas include,

Substance Abuse Prevention (Tobacco and Alcohol)

Diet and Nutrition

Physical Inactivity and Exercise

Personal and Environmental Hygiene

The event features workshops, expert talks, exhibition stalls, food stalls, cultural event, competitions specially curated for school and college students. Since 2013, the Youth Health Mela has continued to serve as a platform for health education, prevention, and community engagement across Chennai.

Alternative Livelihood Training Programme for Beedi Rollers

Article 17 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) emphasizes the importance of promoting economically viable alternatives to tobacco production. This approach aims to mitigate the adverse social and economic impacts on populations whose livelihoods depend on tobacco production.

Recent emphasis lies upon promoting economically viable alternatives to tobacco production as a way to prevent possible adverse social and economic impacts on populations whose livelihoods depend on tobacco production. One such sector is the beedi production in Tamil Nadu. In India, at least 4.5 million workers are employed in the bidi sector. According to Ministry of Labour and Employment, there are 509128 beedi rollers in Tamil Nadu. Although the large part of the workforce is home based, involving women and children, beedi manufacturing is considered highly labor intensive.

Cancer Institute (WIA), with support from HCL Foundation initiated various skill development training programs at Mukkudal, Tirunelveli as Phase I in association with the Labour Welfare Department, Government of India. The training programs were conducted at the Central Beedi Hospital, Mukkudal, Tirunelveli, at no cost to the beneficiaries. The training includes Coir products (Handicrafts) in collaboration with the Coir Board, Government of India, tailoring programs supported by the HCL Foundation and Wig making training supported by Skill India, NABARD and HCL Foundation. Training and employment for the wig making is provided by Exodus Pvt Ltd.

From January 2020 – January 2024, the beneficiaries of the skill development training program are summarised as follows.

Efforts are underway to sustain these participants in alternative livelihoods. Similarly, 34 batches of tailoring training program, each with 30 participants, have been completed successfully. A total of 169 beedi rolling women have been trained on wig making by the Exodus Exports Pvt Ltd. To prevent workers from returning to beedi rolling during the training period, a stipend of INR 3,000 per head per month has been provided by the Coir Board, NABARD, and Skill India for the respective training programs.

In order to understand the effectiveness of these trainings, Cancer Institute conducted a survey among 148 trained women, which revealed that 106 successfully stopped engaging in beedi rolling, while 32 still continued to do so. Remaining 10 were not reachable due to various practical reasons. Of the 106, 24 women are working with the wig making unit while 11 have started tailoring at their homes. Nearly 33 women are now employed in different sectors ranging from cattle rearing to teaching. The remaining 38 women, although not currently employed in any sector, reported that they were neither interested nor willing to continue beedi rolling as well, as they are now well aware of the health consequences. This is achieved only by the repeated awareness, education and motivation by the Cancer Institute team, in the communities.

Through this initiative, those engaged in beedi rolling have gained awareness regarding the occupational health hazards and many have expressed their interest and willingness to shift to a healthy alternative livelihood. It is known and reported by the beneficiaries that while beedi rolling yielded them a revenue of INR 3000 per month, through this alternative livelihood e.g. wig making they are able to earn around INR 7000 - 8000 per month, which is aiding them financially as well. Further, the majority of the community residents stated that they did not want their children to be engaged in beedi rolling as an occupation, considering the impacts. This gained awareness, perceived healthy lifestyle in terms of improved sleep and food intake at the right time and financial benefits through sustainable job opportunities are the notable benefits of this program.

As an ongoing process, we are now proposing to inaugurate a skill development training program on coconut shell products, with a batch of 30 members, with support from NABARD. The training program will be facilitated by Porunai Eco Crafters, Tirunelveli. With this training program, we believe that the beneficiaries will benefit in terms of heightened income (around INR 8000 – INR 10000 per month), after the training program as the Porunai Eco Crafters have agreed upon providing sustainable jobs for the trainees.

Enhancing Enforcement for Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions in Tamil Nadu:

The Cancer Institute (WIA), Adyar, Chennai, in collaboration with the State Tobacco Control Cell, Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Government of Tamil Nadu, organized a Consultation Meeting for Tamil Nadu’s Enforcement Officials on strengthening tobacco control and enhancing enforcement for tobacco-free educational institutions on 11th March 2025. Special and inaugural addresses were delivered by Dr. R. Swaminathan and Dr. K. Krishnaraj, respectively, emphasizing the importance of strict enforcement of tobacco control measures. The sessions covered various aspects of tobacco control, including awareness on tobacco-related cancer incidence, health impacts of tobacco use, and strengthening enforcement under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA). Experts such as Dr. Aravind Krishnamurthy, Dr. T. Pravin, and Mr. Cyril Alexander discussed collaborative enforcement strategies, legal provisions, and best practices. The meeting concluded with the development of an action plan to reinforce enforcement efforts in educational institutions across Tamil Nadu, ensuring a safer and healthier environment for students. A total of 65 officials joined for this program.

Empowering NSS Leaders

The Cancer Institute (WIA), Adyar, Chennai, in collaboration with the National Service Scheme (NSS), University of Madras, organized a sensitization and action program titled “Empowering NSS Leaders: Establishing YACC Clubs for Cancer Prevention and Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions” on 14th March 2025. The program commenced with an inaugural ceremony featuring a welcome address by Dr. V. Surendran, Professor and Head, Department of Psycho-oncology, Cancer Institute (WIA); a special address by Dr. Vaneeta Aggarwal, NSS Coordinator, University of Madras, Chennai; a keynote address by Dr. Kalpana Balakrishnan, Director, Cancer Institute (WIA); an inaugural address by Dr. K. Krishnaraj, Joint Director, Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine (NCD/MTM) & State Tobacco Control Programme, Government of Tamil Nadu; and a vote of thanks by Dr. D. Sathish Kumar, Senior Medical Social Worker, Department of Psycho-oncology and RCTC, Cancer Institute (WIA), Chennai. The sessions focused on cancer awareness, prevention strategies, tobacco control, and the establishment of YACC clubs to empower student leadership in promoting cancer prevention and tobacco-free environments. The program concluded with lunch and certificate distribution

We conducted a comprehensive follow-up intervention aimed at students aged 10 to 14 (Standard 6 to Standard 9), reaching a total of 5602 students across the 26 Corporation Schools in Madurai. The primary goal of this intervention was to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use. Engaged the students with interactive and fun play-way methods, including Snake and Ladder, Flash Cards, and Crossword Puzzles. These tools helped make the learning process enjoyable while delivering critical health messages. A key part of the program was strengthening Tobacco Monitoring Committees within schools. These committees are vital in supporting the creation of Tobacco-Free Schools in Madurai. Additionally, the program focused on educating students about the dangers of tobacco use, promoting healthier lifestyle choices, and fostering an environment where tobacco use is discouraged. We also emphasized the importance of creating a Tobacco-Free Educational Institution (ToFEI) by involving all stakeholders: teachers, parents, and local shopkeepers.

The objective is to enable early detection of lung abnormalities, including lung cancer, through low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) and clinical evaluation. The program will focus on high-risk populations, particularly those with a history of long-term tobacco use. Alongside screening, participants will receive tobacco cessation counseling and health education. This initiative seeks to reduce lung cancer-related morbidity and mortality by promoting early diagnosis and timely intervention

Mobile application for tobacco cessation. A mobile based application is being developed to assist tobacco users in the communities to quit.