Merck Specialties launches “Two-Minute Action for Oral Cancer Protection” campaign

New Delhi: On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, Merck Specialties, a leading pharmaceutical company, officially launched its national awareness campaign – “Two-Minute Action for Oral Cancer Protection” – by unveiling a unique mirror-based standee that encourages individuals to spend just two minutes each month checking for early signs of oral cancer using a mirror for self-examination.

The campaign is gaining momentum across India through collaborations with leading oncology hospitals, engagement of medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists, and a multi-channel outreach strategy. It is being amplified through print, digital, and radio platforms and will continue throughout the year as part of a sustained public awareness effort.

Pratima Reddy, Managing Director, Merck Specialties stated, “We believe that simple tools, when backed by scientific intent and strong communication, can transform preventive care. Our mirror-based standee is designed to engage people at the point of care, providing them with easy-to-understand visual cues and encouraging regular self-examination. Early detection saves lives, and this campaign aims to make that message a reality.”

India continues to face a major oral cancer burden, with 107,812 new cases reported in 2022, accounting for 15.6% of all cancers among men, and the majority being diagnosed at an advanced stage (GLOBOCAN 2022, IARC).

Dr. Sudipto Chatterjee, Country Medical Director, Merck Specialties added, “This campaign not only educates but also actively involves the public in their own health journey. The mirror-on-standee concept combines medical insight with behavioral engagement. We’ve seen excellent responses from both hospitals and the general public, which affirms our belief in community-centered innovation.”

Shantanu Rajput, Oncology Business Unit Head, Merck Specialties shared, “Just as breast self-examination has empowered early detection in women, we are committed to making oral self-check a routine habit. Our campaign uses the ‘LOOK – FEEL – ACT’ message to help people take charge of their health in a simple, time-efficient way.”

The mirror-on-standee integrates infographics, symptom checklists, and guidance on early signs of oral cancer, including persistent mouth sores, red or white patches, unexplained bleeding, or difficulty in swallowing or speaking. Many hospitals across India have reported positive reception from visitors, with several doctors confirming increased public inquiries and discussions sparked by the standees.

The campaign is currently being implemented in multiple partner hospitals and is actively supported by leading oncologists nationwide. In addition to hospital engagements, the message is being shared via social media videos, influencer messaging, hospital talks, and traditional media to reach the general public across geographies.