Punjab partners with Yuvraj Singh’s YouWeCan Foundation to screen 20,000 people for breast and oral cancer in Patiala
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, October 12, 2026: The Punjab government on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the YouWeCan Foundation, founded by former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh, to launch a breast and oral cancer screening initiative in Patiala district, targeting 20,000 people over the next 12 months.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh by Director of Health and Family Welfare Dr Hitinder Kaur and YouWeCan Foundation trustee Poonam Nanda.
The initiative aims to strengthen early detection and improve access to preventive screening at the community level. Of the 20,000 beneficiaries, 10,000 women will undergo breast cancer screening using the iBreastExam device, while 10,000 men and women will receive clinical screening for oral cancer.
The iBreastExam device is a non-invasive, radiation-free tool used for breast examinations. Individuals with suspicious findings will be referred to higher-level health facilities for further evaluation, confirmatory diagnosis and treatment.
Dr Balbir Singh said the state government was focusing on early detection to identify cancer before it advances. He urged people to undergo routine screening and overcome hesitation about preventive health checks.
Drawing a parallel with Yuvraj Singh’s cricket career and his battle with cancer, the minister said the former cricketer would help promote awareness and encourage people to prioritise early screening.
He also said eligible beneficiaries could access free, cashless cancer treatment under the state’s Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana (MMSY).
Builds on Earlier Screening Campaign
The Health Minister said the YouWeCan Foundation had previously screened around two lakh women across the country under its Swasth Mahila, Swasth Bharat campaign, including approximately 14,000 women in Punjab’s Moga district.
The Patiala initiative is intended to build on these efforts by increasing awareness, reducing reluctance to undergo screening and establishing a model for collaboration between the government and non-governmental organisations in cancer prevention.
Senior officials present at the MoU signing included Special Secretary Health-cum-Managing Director of the National Health Mission Sakshi Sawhney, Punjab Health Systems Corporation Managing Director Gautam Jain, State Programme Officer for Non-Communicable Diseases Dr Gagandeep Singh Grover and Medical Officer Dr Ashu Gupta.
Representatives of the YouWeCan Foundation, including Senior Advisor Arvind Nanda, Senior Programme Manager Dr Bhavika and Senior Manager (Monitoring and Evaluation) Dr Divya, also attended the event.