**Executive Summary**
On February 5, 2026, the Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) organised a cancer awareness programme for Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel at Taloja, Navi Mumbai, in observance of World Cancer Day. The programme, aligned with the "United by Unique" theme for 2025–2027, included an inauguration ceremony, expert-led sessions, and a screening of an educational video. This programme is part of a series of World Cancer Day initiatives conducted by DISBR throughout February.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Programme Overview:**
* Comprehensive cancer awareness programme organized by TMC.
* Held at the 102 Battalion, RAF, Taloja, Navi Mumbai.
* Aligned with the World Cancer Day theme "United by Unique" (2025-2027).
* **Programme Activities:**
* Inauguration by Commandant Sushanta Kumar Pradhan, emphasizing the importance of cancer awareness.
* Sessions by DISBR experts highlighting cancer prevention, early detection, and screening.
* Screening of a 45-minute educational video on cervical cancer prevention and early detection developed by DISBR.
* Thematic information stalls on common cancers (oral, breast, cervical) and hazards of tobacco, with IEC materials.
* Sessions facilitated by a doctor and a Medical Social Worker (MSW), engaging attendees in discussions.
* **Community Engagement:**
* Approximately 150 participants, including RAF personnel and their families.
* Part of a series of World Cancer Day initiatives by DISBR throughout February.
* DISBR is also organizing awareness sessions for corporate employees, educational programmes in medical colleges, and multiple cancer screening camps across different regions of Maharashtra.
* **Objectives:**
* Expand cancer awareness.
* Promote early detection.
* Strengthen community participation in cancer prevention.
**Impact Analysis**
**Rapid Action Force (RAF) Personnel and Their Families**
* **Impact:** Increased awareness of cancer prevention, early detection, and screening methods.
* **Action Required:** To utilize the information provided to adopt preventive health practices and seek timely screening.
**Community in Mumbai, Palghar, and Raigad Districts**
* **Impact:** Increased access to cancer awareness and screening programmes through DISBR's outreach activities.
* **Action Required:** To participate in the planned awareness sessions and screening camps.
Key Entities Referenced
Tata Memorial Centre (TMC): Organized the cancer awareness programme for Rapid Action Force personnel.
Rapid Action Force (RAF): The target audience for the cancer awareness program at Taloja, Navi Mumbai.
Division of Implementation Science and Behavioural Research (DISBR): Undertook extensive community outreach, capacity-building, and implementation science initiatives to translate scientific evidence into cancer control strategies. Developed IEC materials and an educational video used in the program.
Taloja: Location of the cancer awareness programme conducted for Rapid Action Force personnel.
Department of Atomic Energy
Tata Memorial Centre Organises Cancer
Awareness Programme for Rapid Action Force
Personnel at Taloja
Posted On: 05 FEB 2026 7:15PM by PIB Mumbai
Mumbai, 5 February 2026
In observance of World Cancer Day, the Division of Implementation Science and Behavioural Research
(DISBR), Centre for Cancer Epidemiology (CCE), Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and
Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) organised a comprehensive cancer
awareness programme at the 102 Battalion, Rapid Action Force (RAF), Taloja, Navi Mumbai.
The programme was aligned with the World Cancer Day theme 2025–2027, “United by Unique”, which
places people at the centre of cancer care and highlights the importance of individual stories in cancer
prevention and control.
The programme was formally inaugurated by Shri Sushanta Kumar Pradhan, Commandant, Rapid Action
Force, who emphasised the importance of cancer awareness and preventive health practices among
uniformed personnel and their families.
Following the inauguration, experts from DISBR addressed the gathering, underscoring the critical need
for cancer prevention, early detection, and timely screening. The session also highlighted the extensive
community outreach, capacity-building, and implementation science initiatives undertaken by DISBR to
translate scientific evidence into real-world cancer control strategies.
As part of the programme, a 45-minute educational video on cervical cancer prevention and early
detection, developed by DISBR, was screened for the participants. The video provided comprehensive
information on risk factors, the importance of regular screening, and healthy lifestyle practices to reduce
the risk of cervical cancer.The awareness activities were further strengthened through thematic information stalls focusing on
common cancers in India—oral, breast, and cervical cancers—along with a dedicated stall highlighting the
hazards of tobacco use, one of the leading preventable causes of cancer. These stalls showcased
Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials developed by DISBR.
The sessions were facilitated by a doctor and a Medical Social Worker (MSW), who provided structured
explanations, addressed participant queries, and actively engaged attendees in discussions on symptoms,
screening methods, and preventive strategies.
The programme witnessed active participation from approximately 150 individuals, including RAF
personnel and their family members, reflecting strong community engagement and interest in cancer
prevention initiatives.
This programme formed part of a series of World Cancer Day initiatives being conducted by DISBR
throughout the month of February. As part of these ongoing efforts, DISBR is also organising awareness
sessions for corporate employees, educational programmes in medical colleges, and multiple cancer
screening camps across different regions of Maharashtra, with major outreach activities planned in
Mumbai, Palghar, and Raigad districts.
These initiatives aim to expand cancer awareness, promote early detection, and strengthen community
participation in cancer prevention.
The World Cancer Day initiatives reflect Tata Memorial Centre’s continued leadership in translating
scientific evidence into impactful community-level action through implementation science and preventive
oncology programmes.
PIB Mumbai | Sriyanka Chatterjee/Robin Singh/Priti Malandkar
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