PROACTIV (Preventive Oncology: Action and Intervention Program)
Program Overview
PROACTIV – Preventive Oncology: Action and Intervention Program is a first-of-its-kind initiative dedicated to reducing the cancer burden through education, screening, and early intervention.
Cancer is no longer just a disease; it is a lifestyle-driven epidemic that demands proactive measures. While advances in treatment continue, the greatest victory lies in prevention and early intervention. Unlike conventional cancer care, which primarily focuses on treatment, PROACTIV shifts the focus to prevention and early detection, significantly reducing mortality and improving quality of life. With a focused approach on the three most prevalent cancers - Oral, Breast, and Cervical - our program aims to bridge the gap between knowledge and action by empowering individuals & communities to take proactive steps and equipping healthcare professionals & public health experts with the knowledge and skills to detect cancer early, implement preventive strategies, and drive impactful change. Our Comprehensive Outlook: Primary, Secondary & Tertiary Prevention At PROACTIV, we recognize that preventive oncology isn’t just about stopping cancer before it starts—it’s about early detection, timely intervention, and survivorship care. Our structured approach covers all three levels of cancer prevention with a special focus on oral and dental oncology due to its high prevalence and preventability.
Our approach is simple yet powerful:
- Educate healthcare professionals and the public on risk factors, early signs, and lifestyle modifications.
- Screen high-risk individuals through organized outreach programs, equip relevant HCPs to utilize opportunistic screening in their practice.
- Intervene early with preventive strategies, improving patient outcomes and reducing treatment costs.
Because when it comes to cancer, "Prevention is the Best Action, Early Detection is the Best Intervention."
Oral Cancer
- Global Incidence and Mortality: Annually, there are approximately 377,713 new cases of oral cancer worldwide, with 177,757 deaths attributed to the disease.
- India-Specific Data: India reports about 119,992 new cases each year, leading to approximately 72,616 deaths.
- Screening and Early Detection: Regular oral examinations can facilitate early detection. However, factors such as limited public awareness and accessibility to dental services contribute to delayed diagnoses.
Breast Cancer
- Global Incidence and Mortality: Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among women globally, with an estimated 2.3 million new cases and 685,000 deaths each year.
- India-Specific Data: India accounts for approximately 178,361 new cases annually, resulting in about 90,408 deaths.
- Screening and Early Detection: Mammography screenings are effective in early detection. Despite this, participation rates are suboptimal; for instance, in the UK, only about 70% of eligible women attend breast screening appointments, leading to thousands of missed early diagnoses.
Cervical Cancer
- Global Incidence and Mortality: There are approximately 604,127 new cases of cervical cancer worldwide each year, with 341,831 deaths.
- India-Specific Data: India reports around 96,922 new cases annually, leading to approximately 60,078 deaths.
- Screening and Early Detection: Pap smear tests are instrumental in detecting precancerous changes. However, misconceptions and lack of awareness result in low screening uptake. For example, in the UK, about 31% of women do not attend cervical smear test invitations, potentially missing early detection opportunities.
Why These Three?
- High Burden in India: These cancers contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality.
- Preventability: Unlike many cancers, these are largely preventable with lifestyle modifications, vaccination, and screening
- Impact on Healthcare & Economy: Late-stage diagnoses increase treatment costs, disability, and financial burden on families and the healthcare system.
- Government Policies & Support: National programs are already in place for screening and prevention, but implementation needs trained professionals and better outreach.
Program Layout
Who Can Attend:
- Healthcare Professionals: Doctors, dentists, nurses, physiotherapists, and public health workers, medical social workers
- Medical & Dental Students: Those interested in oncology, cancer prevention, and screening
- Public Health & NGO Workers: Individuals working on cancer awareness and prevention campaigns
- General Public with an Interest: Anyone passionate about cancer prevention and public health and everyone who is willing to stay aware
Why You Should Attend:
- Comprehensive & Structured Approach Covers all three major preventable cancers (Oral, Breast, and Cervical)
- Scientific Yet Practical Learn evidence-based prevention and screening strategies
- Expert-Led Training Sessions conducted by specialists and experts in respective fields
- Case-Based Learning Real-life patient scenarios to strengthen understanding
- Certification a recognized certification affiliated with university
Course Duration And Structure:
The PROACTIV program is a structured, online learning experience designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of preventive oncology with a focus on Oral, Breast, and Cervical Cancer.
- Format: Live, interactive online sessions
- Total Duration: 6 weekends (2 weekends per cancer type)
- Structure: Each cancer type consists of 4 modules, spread across two weekends:
- Module 1 (Saturday, Week 1) : Core concepts, risk factors, and prevention strategies.
- Module 2 (Sunday, Week 1) : Screening, early detection, and diagnostic pathways.
- Module 3 (Saturday, Week 2) : Treatment overview, rehabilitation, and survivorship
- Module 4 (Sunday, Week 2) : Interactive case-based learning, problem-solving, and addressing participant queries.
- Session Length: 1.5 to 2 hours per session
- Total Learning Hours: 24 hours
- Mode of Delivery: Online, instructor-led sessions with case-based learning and interactive discussions
Course Fee And Certification:
The PROACTIV program is a structured, online learning experience designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of preventive oncology with a focus on Oral, Breast, and Cervical Cancer.
- Single Cancer Type (Oral, Breast, or Cervical): ₹3,000
- Full Program (All Three Cancers): ₹8,000 (discounted rate)
- Group Discounts & Institutional Enrollments: Available on request
NOTE: Participants can enroll in one or more modules based on their interest.
Certification:
Upon successful completion of each cancer-specific module, participants will receive:
- Certificate of Completion for the respective cancer type (Oral, Breast, or Cervical)
- Certification will be awarded upon achieving ≥50% in the final assessment (MCQs + Assignment)
- Accredited & Valuable for Medical, Dental & Public Health Professionals
Course Curriculum
Chapter 1 – Understanding Oral Cancer
Burden of Oral Cancer (Global & Indian)
Future Trends & Projections
Risk Factors:
• Modifiable: Tobacco, alcohol, betel quid, poor diet, HPV, poor oral hygiene
• Non-Modifiable: Genetics, immune suppression
• Emerging Risks: Areca nut, gut microbiome, e-cigarettes
Oral Microbiome & Cancer Risk
Chapter 2 – Prevention & Early Detection
Early Signs & Symptoms:
• Non-healing ulcers, white/red patches, restricted tongue movement
• Persistent pain, burning sensation, difficulty in chewing/swallowing
Self-Screening:
• Step-by-step guide to oral self-examination
• Role of dentists & general practitioners in early detection
Tobacco Cessation Strategies & Behavioral Interventions
Potentially Malignant Disorders (PMDs):
• Leukoplakia, erythroplakia, OSMF, Lichen Planus
• Observation vs. Intervention
• Chemoprevention & emerging therapies
Advanced Early Detection Strategies:
• AI-assisted screening
• Salivary biomarkers, liquid biopsy, omics approaches
Chapter 3 – Diagnosis, Treatment & Dental Oncology
Radiological & Histopathological Diagnosis:
• Biopsy techniques, imaging modalities
Quick Note on Staging & Treatment:
• Surgery, radiation, systemic therapy
Dental Oncology & Oral Care During Treatment:
• Pre-Treatment Dental Evaluation & Optimization
• Management of Oral Mucositis & Radiation-Induced Side Effects
• Dental Extractions & Restorations Before Radiation
• Impact of Cancer Therapy on Salivary Glands & Mucosa
• Osteoradionecrosis Prevention & Management
Tertiary Prevention:
• Functional rehabilitation (speech, swallowing, dental oncology)
• Prosthetic rehabilitation (maxillofacial & dental prostheses)
• Psycho-social reintegration
• Survivorship & Quality of Life
Chapter 4 – Case Discussions & Assignments
Case-Based Learning
Screening Failures & Late Presentations
Patient Communication Strategies
Role of Dentists in Cancer Care (Dental Oncology Specialization)
Interactive Q&A & Feedback
Chapter 1 – Understanding Breast Cancer
Epidemiology & Disease Burden
Future Trends & Projections
Risk Factors:
• Genetic: BRCA1/2, TP53 mutations
• Hormonal: Menstrual/reproductive history, HRT
• Lifestyle: Obesity, diet, alcohol, sedentary behavior
Risk Stratification & Genetic Profiling
Chapter 2 – Prevention & Screening
Early Signs & Symptoms:
• Lump, nipple retraction, skin changes, bloody discharge
• Unexplained pain, persistent swelling, asymmetry
Self-Screening:
• Step-by-step breast self-examination (BSE)
• Limitations of BSE & need for clinical correlation
Screening Modalities:
• Mammography, MRI, ultrasound
• AI-driven diagnostic tools & automated risk assessment
• Screening guidelines
Risk-Reducing Strategies:
• Chemoprevention, prophylactic surgery
Lifestyle Modifications & Risk Reduction:
• Exercise, diet, breastfeeding, alcohol moderation
Chapter 3 – Diagnosis, Treatment & Supportive Care
Triple Assessment: Clinical, Imaging & Biopsy
Personalized Treatment Approaches:
• Neoadjuvant, adjuvant therapy
• Role of immunotherapy & targeted therapy
Post-Treatment Surveillance & Recurrence Monitoring
Tertiary Prevention:
• Lymphedema management, breast reconstruction
• Psychosocial & emotional support
Chapter 4 – Case Discussions & Assignments
Case-Based Learning
Screening Failures & Late Presentations
Patient Communication Strategies
Interactive Q&A & Feedback
Chapter 1 – Understanding Cervical Cancer
Global & Indian Burden
HPV Infection & Carcinogenesis:
• High-risk HPV strains (16, 18)
• Transmission pathways (sexual contact, vertical transmission)
Other Risk Factors:
• Smoking, multiple sexual partners, STDs, poor hygiene
HPV & Gender-Neutral Vaccination Approach
Chapter 2 – Prevention & Screening
Early Signs & Symptoms:
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding (post-coital, intermenstrual)
• Unusual discharge, persistent pelvic pain, lower backache
• Leg swelling (late sign due to lymphatic obstruction)
Self-Screening & Awareness:
• HPV self-sampling as an alternative screening tool
• Limitations & need for professional evaluation
HPV Vaccination:
• WHO & national guidelines
• Myths & facts, gender-neutral approach
Screening Methods:
• Pap smear, HPV DNA testing, VIA, VILI
Self-Sampling & AI-Driven Screening in LMICs
Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy & Screening Compliance
Chapter 3 – Diagnosis, Treatment & Supportive Care
Diagnosis:
• Staging, colposcopy, biopsy techniques
Confusing/Overlapping Signs & Delayed Diagnosis:
• Vaginal infections, post-menopausal atrophy, intermenstrual bleeding
• Lower back pain mistaken for musculoskeletal issues
Treatment Modalities:
• Surgery, chemoradiation, targeted therapy
Tertiary Prevention:
• Surveillance protocols (HPV testing, Pap smears)
• Managing treatment-related complications (fibrosis, vaginal stenosis)
• Rehabilitation & Quality of Life
• Pelvic floor therapy & sexual health counseling
• Hormonal therapy options for premature menopause
Chapter 4 – Case Discussions & Assignments
Public Health Interventions & Vaccine Hesitancy
Practical Communication Strategies
Case-Based Learning
Interactive Q&A & Feedback