Those with family history of cancer urged to get tested

Preetha Reddy, executive vice chairperson of Apollo Hospitals Enterprises Ltd., stressed the importance of early detection of cancer and screening, especially in people who have a family history of cancer

Preetha Reddy, executive vice chairperson of Apollo Hospitals Enterprises Ltd., stressed the importance of early detection of cancer and screening, especially in people who have a family history of cancer.

“Cancer, when detected early, is curable,” she said at an event to commemorate 30 years of Apollo Cancer Centre (ACC) on Thursday. World Rose Day was celebrated on the occasion.

Ms. Preetha urged people to get screened as a single blood test or a simple scan can help in early detection. “Get tested, especially if there is a family history of cancer,” she said.

She traced the journey of Apollo Cancer Centre on the occasion. “There are people who cannot afford high-end private healthcare. We want to make it accessible. We have a foundation through which many have been treated. We want to build the foundation so that we will not say no to as many people who need to be treated,” she said.

Harshad Reddy, director, Group Oncology and International, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd, said survivorship programmes would become an integral part of their approach. “Digital technology and artificial intelligence are poised to transform oncology. There is prediction analysis to optimising treatment plans for better outcomes,” he said.

He said precision oncology centres provided a patient-centric approach, offering individualised treatments. “By offering precision medicine, we are levelling the playing field so that every patient will have access to oncology care,” he said.

Actor Priya Bhavani Shankar took part in the event.