Mumbai, 7 November 2026: On National Cancer Awareness Day, the Debabrata Mitalee Auro Foundation (DAF), in association with QR678® Products, announced the launch of StrandStrength, a nationwide social impact initiative aimed at supporting up to 5,000 women recovering after treatment for breast and ovarian cancer. Under the initiative, QR678® Products will contribute cosmetic hair and scalp vitality products valued at ₹40 crore at MRP, supported by a proposed national network of approximately 100 dermatologists providing complimentary dermatologist-guided care.
The initiative addresses an often-overlooked aspect of cancer recovery, helping women regain confidence, self-image and emotional well-being following chemotherapy. According to the National Cancer Registry Programme, as 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 also reported that 58.66% of participants experienced severe distress associated with chemotherapy-induced hair loss, highlighting the importance of appearance-related support during recovery.
Through StrandStrength, DAF will collaborate with cancer hospitals, foundations, survivor networks and community organisations to identify eligible beneficiaries and connect them with participating dermatologists for appropriate cosmetic hair and scalp care.
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.”
StrandStrength aims to evolve into a sustained national platform supporting cancer survivors through dermatologist participation, institutional partnerships and community outreach. DAF will coordinate beneficiary identification, programme implementation and partnerships to progressively expand access across India.
About QR678®
QR678® is a patented translational research and development platform focused on hair science, follicular biology and regenerative aesthetics. The QR678® research ecosystem has enabled the development of a portfolio of cosmetic hair and scalp products used within dermatology and aesthetic practices across multiple international markets. Through continued research and product development, the platform remains focused on advancing protocol based approaches within hair and scalp aesthetics.
About Debabrata Mitalee Auro Foundation
The Debabrata Mitalee Auro Foundation, DAF, is a Section 8 not for profit organisation working across healthcare, social impact and community focused initiatives. Through StrandStrength, DAF will serve as the program anchor, coordinating institutional partnerships, beneficiary access, dermatologist participation and the wider national ecosystem required to progressively support women recovering after cancer treatment.
