Telangana and Andhra Pradesh intensify cancer prevention efforts as cases surge

Hyderabad — Telangana's Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha has urged collaborative action among government agencies, healthcare professionals, and civil society organisations to tackle the growing burden of cancer in the state.

Speaking at the 25-year anniversary celebrations of Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, the minister attributed the rise in cancer cases to shifting lifestyle patterns alongside dietary choices, environmental degradation, and hereditary predisposition.

Telangana currently witnesses between 50,000 and 55,000 new cancer diagnoses annually, according to the minister. Beyond the medical implications, he noted that cancer imposes substantial emotional, social, and economic hardships on patients and their families.

State initiatives focus on early detection and affordability

The Telangana government has implemented multiple strategies to strengthen cancer prevention and care infrastructure. These include designating cancer as a notifiable disease, establishing a State Cancer Registry, and launching a dedicated cancer information portal.

Awareness drives and early detection initiatives have become central to the state's approach. The minister highlighted that through the Arogyasri scheme, eligible individuals receive free or subsidised treatment at both government and participating private healthcare facilities. This framework aims to prevent households from facing financial ruin due to cancer treatment expenses.

Damodar Raja Narasimha commended Basavatarakam Hospital for its quarter-century of contributions to oncology care and acknowledged hospital chairman Nandamuri Balakrishna for upholding the legacy of N.T. Rama Rao.

Andhra Pradesh scales up cancer care infrastructure

In parallel developments, Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav announced plans to construct a 1,000-bed Basavatarakam Cancer Hospital facility in Amaravati, aimed at broadening access to specialised oncology services across the state.

Andhra Pradesh records approximately 40,000 new cancer cases yearly. The state has recently bolstered its cancer care network by completing the Guntur State Cancer Centre and enhancing medical facilities in Kadapa and Visakhapatnam.

Satya Kumar Yadav noted that expanded awareness campaigns and complimentary screening programmes have enhanced early disease detection. He further stated that technology-driven health solutions are facilitating treatment delivery and patient monitoring across the state's healthcare system.