In a groundbreaking initiative, WinZO, India’s largest interactive social gaming platform, has launched ‘Play to Prevent Cancer’, a campaign aimed at raising funds for early cancer detection through genetic counselling and creating awareness among its 200 million users about the critical role of early cancer detection. This unique effort combines the power of gaming with a mission to fight one of the world’s deadliest diseases, making it a shining example of how technology and entertainment can drive meaningful change.
Through the ‘Play to Prevent Cancer’ hour, WinZO users contributed funds, which were matched by the company’s 200 team members, doubling the total donation. The funds were donated to the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research, and Education in Cancer (ACTREC) at Tata Memorial Hospital, a leading institution in cancer care. The donation will be used to train genetic counselling professionals, a critical step in expanding India’s capacity for early cancer detection and prevention.
Table of Contents
Why Early Cancer Detection Matters
Cancer has become one of the leading causes of death worldwide, imposing a heavy burden on patients, caregivers, and families. Between 2000 and 2019, 13 million Indians lost their lives to cancer—twice the population of Singapore. Globally, there were 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths in 2022, with the number of annual cases expected to rise to 35 million by 2050.
However, significant breakthroughs in cancer prevention, treatment, and palliative care over the last two decades have shown that early detection is the most impactful intervention. Genetic counselling, in particular, has emerged as a pivotal tool in identifying individuals at risk and mitigating the chances of developing cancer.
WinZO’s Partnership with Tata Memorial Hospital
WinZO’s collaboration with Tata Memorial Hospital focuses on addressing the growing risk of cancer through genetic counselling. This partnership aims to:
- Train Genetic Counselling Professionals: Equip professionals with the skills to provide timely, culturally sensitive, and evidence-based counselling to cancer patients.
- Expand Access to Genetic Testing: Strengthen India’s low-cost genetic testing lab at Tata Memorial Hospital, making genetic counselling accessible to individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Support Family Counselling: Help families understand genetic risks and take preventive measures.
Dr. Rajiv Sarin, Head of the Cancer Genetics Clinic at Tata Memorial Hospital, emphasized the importance of this initiative:
“I thank WinZO and its users for their invaluable contributions. Their support for genetic counselling professionals will be crucial in assisting millions of Indians diagnosed with cancer. To maximize the impact of donated resources, we need an army of well-trained, motivated professionals.”
The Role of Gaming in Mental Health and Cancer Care
The journey of a cancer patient is not just physical—it’s deeply emotional and mental. Studies show that up to 20% of cancer patients experience depression, 10% experience anxiety, and over 35-40% face diagnosable psychiatric disorders. These challenges often extend to caregivers and families, increasing the risk of loneliness and mental health issues.
WinZO’s platform has proven to be more than just a gaming app—it’s a therapeutic tool for cancer patients. Casual games on the platform help reduce stress, anxiety, and social isolation by providing:
- Distraction Through Entertainment: Games offer a mental escape from the overwhelming challenges of cancer treatment.
- Cognitive Benefits: Games improve attention control, cognitive flexibility, and information processing, addressing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- A Sense of Community: Multiplayer games foster social connections, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Expert Insights
Dr. Nachiket Mor, a Scientist at The Banyan Academy of Leadership in Mental Health, highlighted the potential of gaming in healthcare:
“Cancer patients often face significant mental health challenges, with up to 90% experiencing anxiety and many older adults battling loneliness post-diagnosis. Online gaming offers a promising yet underutilized tool to support mental well-being, improve treatment adherence, and educate patients in an engaging and non-intimidating way. By integrating gaming into cancer care, we can foster resilience, enhance patient support, and create a more compassionate healthcare system.”
A Survivor’s Perspective
A cancer survivor and WinZO user shared their personal experience: “Gaming on WinZO’s platform was a huge relief for me. Whenever I felt anxious or overwhelmed, I would take a few minutes to play, focusing on my strategy and the game rather than my worries. The fast-paced games, often lasting just 2-3 minutes, redirected my energy toward something positive and mentally engaging. Whether solving word puzzles or working with numbers, these games distracted me and built my mental skills, keeping me motivated and optimistic during challenging times.”
The Bigger Picture: Building a Future of Hope
WinZO’s ‘Play to Prevent Cancer’ initiative is more than just a fundraising campaign—it’s a movement to empower individuals, raise awareness, and build capacity for early cancer detection in India. By investing in genetic counselling and leveraging the therapeutic potential of gaming, WinZO is addressing cancer prevention and care from multiple angles.
This initiative also highlights the network effect of skill development in genetic counselling. As more professionals are trained, India’s capacity to provide early detection and prevention services will grow, benefiting millions of people across the country.
