The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
NEW DELHI, JANUARY 6, 2025
In a groundbreaking collaboration, WinZO, India’s largest interactive social gaming platform, and Tata Memorial Hospital have launched the country’s first gene counselling facility. This initiative, under the banner ‘Play to Prevent Cancer,’ aims to revolutionize early cancer detection and prevention through genetic counselling.
WinZO’s initiative seeks to raise awareness among its 200 million users about the critical role of early cancer detection. Through a dedicated ‘Play to Prevent Cancer’ hour on its platform, funds were raised from users, which were matched by WinZO’s 200 team members, amplifying the total donation. The collected amount was donated to the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research, and Education in Cancer (ACTREC) at Tata Memorial Hospital. These funds will be instrumental in training a specialized gene counselling team at the hospital.
Recognizing the growing burden of cancer, which has emerged as a leading cause of death in India, WinZO’s strategic move aims to bolster early detection capabilities. Between 2000 and 2019, approximately 13 million Indians succumbed to cancer, a figure twice the population of Singapore. Globally, 2022 saw 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths, with projections indicating a surge to 35 million new cases annually by 2050. Despite these daunting statistics, advancements in cancer prevention, treatment, and palliative care over the last two decades have been significant. Genetic counselling, in particular, has emerged as a pivotal tool in mitigating cancer risk.
The partnership between WinZO and Tata Memorial Hospital is set to enhance genetic counselling, focusing on skill development, gene reporting and screening, and family counselling. This investment is poised to create a ripple effect in cancer prevention and early detection, making genetic counselling more accessible across socioeconomic strata through Tata Memorial Hospital’s low-cost genetic testing lab.
Dr. Rajiv Sarin, Head of the Cancer Genetics Clinic and Cancer Genetics/Genomics Lab 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, such as equipment or infrastructure, we need an army of well-trained, motivated professionals.”
Beyond physical health, cancer patients often face significant mental health challenges. Studies indicate that up to 20% of cancer patients experience depression, with 10% suffering from anxiety, irrespective of their treatment phase. Furthermore, over 35–40% of cancer patients are diagnosed with psychiatric disorders, including neurocognitive and somatic symptom disorders, which elevate the risk of suicide and feelings of isolation.
WinZO’s platform serves a dual purpose by providing therapeutic entertainment that alleviates stress, anxiety, and social isolation among cancer patients. Engaging in casual social games helps improve cognitive functions such as attention control and information processing, offering a mental respite from the rigors of cancer treatment. This therapeutic aspect of gaming has resonated deeply with patients, who have reported reduced anxiety, depression, and loneliness, finding solace and a sense of community through gaming.
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 cancer survivor and active user of WinZO shared their 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 redirected my energy towards something positive and mentally engaging, keeping me motivated and optimistic during challenging times.”
