Mumbai: A cancer prognostic test, developed by the family members of the late joint commissioner of police Himanshu Roy who suffered from cancer, will be offered free of cost to 20,000 people across Maharashtra every year. This was announced by the Himanshu Roy Foundation during an awards ceremony on Tuesday.Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who was the chief guest at the ceremony, said, “I believe this cancer detection kit is one of the finest tributes to Himanshuji. It draws inspiration from his life and is dedicated to the service of society. I am also grateful that the foundation has decided to extend the benefits of this kit to 20,000 people across Maharashtra.”In 2019, Roy, who headed the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad, died by suicide after a long battle with cancer. His family set up the foundation in his memory, and tied up with city-based biotechnology firm Epigeneres Biotechnology Pvt Ltd and Singapore-based Tzar Labs to develop the Himanshu Roy Cancer (HrC) test. Initial research on the blood test, which claims to detect over 60 cancers “even before tumour formation”, has been published in a scientific journal.“This cancer detection kit has been developed through research to facilitate early detection of cancer through an accessible and non-invasive screening tool,’’ said Roy’s wife Bhavna. The foundation has said that the test offers “simultaneous risk assessment of several types of cancer, including all the major cancers such as lung, colon, ovarian and prostate”. Early detection of cancer, which claims around 10 lakh lives across India every year, helps in saving lives.Later in the evening, Bhavna announced the recipients of the Himanshu Roy Legacy Awards 2026. Vocalist Ashwini Bhide-Deshpande and Gandharva Mahavidyalaya were selected for their contributions to preserving and promoting classical music. Pulmonologist Dr Zarir Udwadia and spine surgeon Dr Shekhar Bhojraj were honoured for their service in healthcare. The late police constable Tukaram Omble was honoured for his bravery and sacrifice in the line of duty during the November 26, 2008, terror attacks in Mumbai. The award was received by his daughter from Fadnavis.
