StrandStrength Launches ₹40 Crore Initiative to Support 5,000 Women Recovering from Cancer
Mumbai, November 12, 2026: 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 treatment. The programme will provide complimentary cosmetic hair and scalp vitality products, with support from a proposed network of approximately 100 dermatologists offering dermatologist-guided care.
Under the initiative, QR678® Products will contribute hair and scalp care products valued at ₹40 crore at maximum retail price (MRP). DAF will work with cancer hospitals, foundations, survivor networks and community organisations to identify eligible beneficiaries and connect them with participating dermatologists.
The initiative focuses on an aspect of cancer recovery that often receives less attention: the emotional and psychological 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 study by Tata Memorial Hospital reported that 58.66% of participants experienced severe distress associated with chemotherapy-induced hair loss. StrandStrength aims to address related concerns around self-image, confidence and emotional well-being by making cosmetic hair and scalp care accessible to women during recovery.
Prof. Dr. Debraj Shome, Founder, Debabrata Mitalee Auro Foundation, said, “StrandStrength is deeply personal for me. In 2006, a 23 year old woman being treated for breast cancer at Tata Memorial Hospital asked me why she should feel completely treated when the loss of her hair continued to make her feel unlike herself. I never forgot that question. That conversation became one of the inspirations behind my journey into hair science and, eventually, QR678®. Almost twenty years later, StrandStrength is our attempt to answer that question at scale.
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. Through StrandStrength, we want 5,000 women to know that this part of their recovery matters.”
Indrajit Dutta, Vice President, QR678®, said, “QR678® Products is committing products valued at ₹40 crore at MRP to support StrandStrength and its ambition of reaching 5,000 women. Our role is to make appropriate cosmetic hair and scalp vitality products available through the program, while DAF, participating dermatologists and cancer support organisations build the access ecosystem around them.
The larger purpose is to recognise that recovery after cancer treatment can have emotional and appearance related dimensions as well. We are proud to support a program designed around dignity, access and compassionate care.”
Dr. Ankita Gupta, Project Mentor, StrandStrength, has dedicated her involvement in the initiative to the memory of her late father, Dr. Vijay Babu Gupta, whose values of compassion and service continue to inspire her work.
Dr. Gupta said, “My father always believed that meaningful service begins by recognising needs which may otherwise be overlooked. StrandStrength reflects that philosophy. Cancer recovery is about much more than completing treatment. If we can help women feel more confident and more like themselves as they move forward, that is an impact worth creating.”
DAF will coordinate beneficiary identification, programme implementation and institutional partnerships as StrandStrength expands its reach across India. The initiative aims to develop into a sustained national platform through dermatologist participation, partnerships with cancer support organisations and community outreach.
