GEM Hospital Launches Awareness Drive and QR-Based Support Service for Pancreatic Cancer
In observance of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, GEM Hospital, one of India’s leading centres for Gastroenterology and laparoscopic surgery, has announced a special awareness initiative aimed at promoting early detection and timely treatment of pancreatic cancer — widely known as one of the world’s deadliest and fastest-growing cancers.
As part of the programme, the hospital has launched a first-of-its-kind QR-based Patient Support Service, enabling individuals with early symptoms or concerns to instantly connect with experts for guidance. This service is designed to help people seek medical advice sooner, thereby improving chances of early diagnosis.
Speaking about the initiative, Dr. C. Palanivelu, Founder & Chairman of GEM Hospitals, said,
“Pancreatic cancer is currently the 7th leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, and in India, its incidence is steadily rising. What makes it particularly dangerous is that more than 80% of cases are detected in the late stage due to vague early symptoms like abdominal discomfort, weight loss, or jaundice. Our goal with this programme is to change that narrative by creating stronger awareness and easier access to specialists.”
He further emphasised the importance of early detection:
“The five-year survival rate of pancreatic cancer is still less than 12%, but when detected early, opportunities for curative surgery and targeted therapy significantly improve the survival window — making it more than four times higher.”
QR-Based Patient Access – A Step Towards Early Intervention
Speaking about the newly introduced service, Dr. P. Senthilnathan, Director, GEM Hospital Chennai said, “People often ignore early signs because they do not know which doctor to consult or feel hesitant to visit a hospital. Our new initiative bridges that gap. With just a QR scan, anyone can express concerns and receive a call from our expert team – not a chatbot, not an automated reply, but a real doctor offering real guidance. It ensures that anyone from a concerned family member to someone experiencing symptoms can reach an expert without booking an appointment, visiting a hospital, or facing hesitation.This is our way of ensuring no warning sign goes unnoticed.”
The emotional highlight of the event will be the felicitation of pancreatic cancer survivors, followed by a segment titled ‘Stories of Strength’, where patients and caregivers share inspiring journeys of courage.
“Survivor stories play an irreplaceable role in motivating newly diagnosed patients,” said Dr. S. Asokan, CEO, GEM Hospital Chennai. “They prove that a pancreatic cancer diagnosis is not the end – it is a fight that many are winning today, thanks to better treatments, awareness, and support systems.”
Dr. S. SrivatsanGurumurthy, Senior Consultant, Surgical Gastroenterologist, GEM Hospital said, “PAN GAIN is an initiative by our hospital to provide a unified approach to pancreatic health from diagnosis to advanced intervention. This Pancreas Care GEM Advanced Intervention Network will provide comprehensive care for all pancreatic diseases like pancreatic tumours, pancreatic stones, pancreatitis, pancreatic cysts, etc. under one expert team”.
“Pancreatic cancer often goes undetected until it reaches an advanced stage, which is why awareness and early diagnosis are critical. Through this initiative, we hope to educate the public about symptoms, risk factors, and the importance of timely screening. As a symbol of our commitment, our hospital will be illuminated in purple throughout the month, standing in solidarity with patients, survivors, and their families” Dr. Srivatsan further added.
The awareness event aims to educate the public on recognising early symptoms, understanding risk factors, and seeking prompt medical help. Through this initiative, GEM Hospital hopes to encourage more people to prioritise timely screening and reduce the burden of late-stage diagnoses.
