‘Telangana records over 50,000 new cancer cases every year’

Every year, Telangana records around 50,000 to 55,000 new cancer cases. These numbers are not just statistics, they represent the lives of individuals and families being profoundly impacted by this deadly disease. Early detection is key to survival, said Telangana Minister for Health C. Damodar Raja Narasimha while speaking at the silver jubilee celebrations of Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute in Hyderabad on Sunday (June 22).

To tackle this rising challenge, the Minister announced a series of public health interventions aimed at decentralising cancer care. “We are planning to introduce mobile cancer screening units in every district and will also establish dedicated cancer care centres. These facilities will offer comprehensive services, including screening, diagnosis, day-care chemotherapy and palliative support,” he stated.

Reflecting on the journey since its inception in 2000, hospital’s chairman and actor, Nandamuri Balakrishna credited the transformation of the hospital, from a 110-bed facility to 700 beds, to the steadfast support of donors and well-wishers. “Now, we are setting our sights on a new milestone, a thousand-bed cancer hospital in Andhra Pradesh. Work on the first phase will begin soon,” he announced.

Governor Jishnu Dev Varma attended the inaugural function as chief guest and inaugurated the Linear Accelerator, a radiotherapy machine installed at the hospital.