Cycling for a cause: 250+ cyclists, wellness activities, and expert-led awareness sessions to mark Lung Cancer Awareness Month

November 27th, 2025: 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.”

Mr 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.”

Mr 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.

HCG Cancer Centre, Newtown, Kolkata

HCG Cancer Centre, Kolkata, is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including modular operation theatres, BMT Units, high-end radiation therapy facilities, Nuclear Medicine, and Interventional Radiology. HCG has a full-fledged organ-specific onco-surgery program, which allows its specialists to devise tailor-made treatment solutions for different types of cancer by Medical, Surgical & Radiation Oncology. HCG was the first private hospital in Eastern India to have the Radixact TomoTherapy platform for customised radiation therapy. The hospital has a dedicated bone marrow transplant and haematology department, and a Nuclear Medicine department. With the newly available facilities of Robotic Surgery and CAR T-cell therapy, HCG makes cancer care personalised and patient-friendly.

At HCG Kolkata, patients have access to modern diagnostic and treatment approaches, namely PSMA PET scans, DOTA advanced radioactive scans, scarless throat surgery, minimally invasive surgeries, Interventional Radiology and more. HCG Cancer Centre, Kolkata, follows a holistic approach to the management of all types of cancer, encompassing all facilities, including screening and prevention, diagnosis, staging, treatment, and follow-up of a cancer patient. With its 360-degree approach to cancer care, HCG makes cancer management more holistic and patient-focused.

*****

This is a Press Release published as it was received