WinZO and Tata Memorial Hospital invest to set-up India’s first Gene Counseling facility

On 3 January 2025, WinZO, an interactive social gaming platform, launched the ‘Play to Prevent Cancer’ initiative to raise funds for early cancer detection through gene counselling and increase awareness among its 200 million-strong user base. The campaign generated contributions from users, with WinZO matching the funds to enhance donations to the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research, and Education in Cancer (ACTREC) at Tata Memorial Hospital. These funds will be used to train the gene counselling team at the hospital.

The initiative highlights WinZO’s commitment to addressing the growing cancer burden in India. Cancer has become one of the leading causes of death, with approximately 13 million Indians losing their lives to various forms of cancer between 2000 and 2019 – a figure twice the population of Singapore. Globally, there were 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths in 2022, with projections estimating a rise to 35 million cases by 2050. Advances in cancer prevention, treatment, and palliative care over the last two decades have emphasised genetic counselling as a key intervention for mitigating cancer risks.

WinZO’s partnership with Tata Memorial Hospital aims to enhance the capacity for genetic counselling, offering accessible, low-cost genetic testing and supporting early detection and treatment among cancer patients across socioeconomic backgrounds.

Dr Rajiv Sarin, Head of the Cancer Genetics Clinic at Tata Memorial Hospital, stated, “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. These Cancer Genetic Professionals will provide timely, culturally sensitive, individualised, and evidence-based genetic counselling to cancer patients. To maximise the impact of donated resources, we need an army of well-trained, motivated professionals.”

Cancer patients and their caregivers often face significant mental health challenges, with up to 20 per cent of patients experiencing depression and 10 per cent anxiety, irrespective of treatment phases. Over 35-40 per cent of cancer patients also have diagnosable psychiatric disorders. These mental health issues, including neurocognitive, stress-related, and adjustment disorders, can increase suicide risk and social isolation.

WinZO’s platform has increasingly become a therapeutic tool, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and social isolation for cancer patients through casual social games. Games on WinZO’s platform offer a distraction from illness, enhancing mental agility and reducing feelings of depression and anxiety. A cancer survivor who used WinZO’s platform shared, “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.”

Nachiket Mor, Scientist at The Banyan Academy of Leadership in Mental Health, emphasised the potential of gaming in healthcare, stating, “Cancer patients often face significant mental health challenges, with up to 90 per cent experiencing anxiety and many older adults battling loneliness post-diagnosis. The fight against cancer can leave you with long-term mental health issues, not only for the patient but also for their families. Online gaming offers a promising yet underutilised tool to support mental well-being, improve treatment adherence, and educate patients in an engaging and non-intimidating way.”

WinZO’s initiative underscores the need for integrated approaches that address both physical and mental health challenges in cancer care, fostering resilience and enhancing the quality of life for patients.