HCG Cancer Centre Mumbai and Mumbai Dabbawala Association conduct men’s health awareness campaign

HCG Cancer Centre, Mumbai, in collaboration with the Mumbai Dabbawala Association, conducted a men’s health awareness campaign on 6 and 7 January 2026. The two-day initiative involved more than 500 dabbawalas wearing blue jackets to spread awareness on men’s health and early cancer detection during their daily routes across Mumbai.

The campaign, titled Delivering Hope Together, was organised to take preventive healthcare beyond hospital settings and into community spaces. Through the citywide presence of the dabbawalas, the initiative aimed to share information on early cancer detection and promote awareness on screening among working men.

The awareness drive focused on head and neck cancer and prostate cancer, which are among the commonly detected cancers in men. The collaboration used the existing dabbawala network to circulate messages on preventive care across different parts of the city.

As part of the initiative, HCG Cancer Centre, Mumbai deployed a mobile medical van to provide free cancer screening services for dabbawalas. The van was stationed at multiple locations, including Churchgate, Borivali, Grant Road, and Mira Road. Screenings were conducted by HCG’s medical team, who also provided counselling on early warning signs, risk factors, and the role of timely diagnosis in treatment outcomes.

Over the two days, more than 500 dabbawalas participated in the screenings. The organisers reported voluntary participation from members of the dabbawala community across locations.

Commenting on the initiative, Avik Chauhan, Cluster Chief Operating Officer at HCG Cancer Centre, Mumbai, said, “This initiative with the Mumbai Dabbawala Association reflects our belief that awareness and early detection must reach people where they are. Dabbawalas are the backbone of Mumbai’s daily life, and by engaging with them, we were able to take the message of men’s health and cancer prevention directly to the community. The enthusiastic participation over the last two days reinforces the importance of such grassroots initiatives in saving lives through early detection.”

Commenting on the collaboration, Ulhas Muke, President, Nutan Mumbai Tiffin Box Suppliers Charity Trust, said, “We appreciate the efforts and recognition extended to the dabbawalas by HCG Cancer Centre, Mumbai. We are proud to be part of this awareness drive that focuses on reducing cancer cases through early detection. We are grateful to HCG for providing free screenings and medical guidance to our community and for empowering us with knowledge that encourages preventive healthcare and timely action.”

The campaign concluded with interactions between healthcare professionals and participants, focusing on awareness, screening, and early intervention as part of community-based cancer prevention efforts.