HCG Cancer Centre, Newtown, Kolkata, organised a Cyclothon for Lung Cancer Awareness Month, bringing together residents and healthcare experts to highlight the rising burden of lung cancer and the need for early detection. The event offered a meaningful blend of fitness, education, and community engagement.
As lung cancer is one of India’s fastest-rising cancers – often diagnosed at advanced stages – the initiative aimed to make people more attentive to early symptoms, risk factors, and the importance of timely screening.
The event took place in the presence of senior doctors and the respective management of HCG Cancer Centre, Kolkata, who added valuable perspectives to the awareness effort. The ride witnessed the involvement of over 250 cyclists from prominent cycling communities, who rode across New Town and surrounding stretches, beginning and concluding at HCG Cancer Centre, covering a distance of almost 20 km.
The Cyclothon served as a symbol of collective movement towards healthier habits and early detection, two pillars proven to reduce lung cancer mortality. Following the ride, participants joined a lively Zumba and workout session, encouraging respiratory wellness and showcasing the value of regular physical activity by Zephyr & Team. A dedicated health talk by Dr Sanchayan Mandal, Senior Consultant – Medical Oncology, HCG Cancer Centre, Kolkata, addressed often overlooked early symptoms of lung cancer, new advances in detection, and how preventive screening can significantly improve patient outcomes.
Dr Sanchayan Mandal, Senior Consultant – Medical Oncology, HCG Cancer Centre, Newtown, Kolkata, said, “One of the biggest challenges with lung cancer was that its earliest signs often resembled routine respiratory issues, causing many individuals to delay seeking medical attention. HCG consistently observed that patients who came for screening—even without major symptoms—had a significantly better chance of receiving targeted and less aggressive treatments. This initiative allowed us to educate people about risk factors beyond smoking, including air quality, occupational exposure, and genetic predisposition. We intended to help individuals understand that timely assessments were not about creating fear, but about giving themselves the best possible chance at early detection and effective care.”
Prateek Jain, Regional Business Head, Healthcare Global Enterprises (East & AP), shared, “At HCG, community welfare has always driven our efforts. Initiatives like the Cyclothon help bring preventive healthcare closer to people, encouraging early action before concerns become serious. We have consistently seen how awareness and timely screening can resolve challenges that once seemed overwhelming. Through such initiatives, HCG remains committed to empowering individuals with the right knowledge and access to care. Our goal is simple – build a healthier community by promoting early detection, informed choices, and proactive well-being.”
Gurvinder Singh, Chief Operating Officer, HCG Cancer Centre, Newtown, Kolkata, said, “Through this initiative, HCG aimed to encourage individuals to recognise early health signals and prioritise timely evaluations. Rising cases and evolving risk factors have made awareness more crucial than ever. A simple screening has the potential to change the trajectory of one’s health, and this campaign was a step toward helping people make informed, proactive decisions”
HCG Cancer Centre, Kolkata’s Cyclothon 2025 aimed to transform awareness into action, encouraging people to take control of their respiratory health while contributing to a citywide movement for cancer prevention.