New nationwide programme by Debabrata Mitalee Auro Foundation and QR678® Products will provide free hair and scalp care products through a network of dermatologists to help women regain confidence after cancer treatment.
The Debabrata Mitalee Auro Foundation (DAF), in association with QR678® Products, has launched StrandStrength, a nationwide social impact initiative aimed at supporting up to 5,000 women recovering from breast and ovarian cancer. The programme will provide complimentary cosmetic hair and scalp vitality products worth ₹40 crore at maximum retail price (MRP), helping women address appearance-related concerns following cancer treatment.
The initiative will operate across India through a proposed network of approximately 100 dermatologists who will offer dermatologist-guided care. DAF will collaborate with cancer hospitals, foundations, survivor networks and community organisations to identify eligible women and connect them with participating dermatologists.
StrandStrength focuses on an often-overlooked aspect of cancer recovery: the emotional impact of chemotherapy-related hair loss. According to figures from the National Cancer Registry Programme, cited by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in February 2026, India was estimated to record 240,381 new breast cancer cases and 49,449 ovarian cancer cases among women in 2025.
A 2023 Tata Memorial Hospital study found that 58.66% of participants experienced severe distress associated with chemotherapy-induced hair loss. The programme aims to address concerns related to self-image, confidence and emotional well-being by improving access to cosmetic hair and scalp care.
Prof. Dr. Debraj Shome, Founder of the Debabrata Mitalee Auro Foundation, said, “Cancer survival is the greatest victory. But as women return to their families, work and everyday lives, confidence, dignity and feeling like themselves again matter too.”He added that a conversation with a young breast cancer patient in 2006 inspired his journey into hair science and eventually led to QR678®.
Indrajit Dutta, Vice President, QR678®, said the company would contribute products worth ₹40 crore at MRP, while DAF, dermatologists and cancer support organisations would build the network to reach beneficiaries.Dr. Ankita Gupta, Project Mentor of StrandStrength, said the initiative reflects the importance of recognising needs that are often overlooked during cancer recovery.
DAF will coordinate implementation, beneficiary identification and institutional partnerships as the programme expands. Through this effort, StrandStrength aims to make recovery more compassionate by recognising that rebuilding confidence is also an important part of life after cancer.
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