Apollo centres launch ‘Zero to Hero’ campaign to stress early cancer detection

Apollo Cancer Centre, Chennai, and Apollo Proton Cancer Centre have launched the ‘Zero to Hero’ campaign to promote awareness on Stage Zero cancer detection and the importance of early diagnosis, marking World Cancer Day.

The initiative comes at a time when cancer incidence in India continues to rise. Over 15 lakh new cases were reported in 2024, according to Indian Council of Medical Research – National Cancer Registry Programme data presented in Parliament. Nearly one in nine Indians faces a lifetime risk of cancer, with experts noting that more than 70% of cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, making treatment more complex, reducing survival outcomes, and increasing the financial burden on families.

As part of the campaign, the centres hosted an expert-led interaction focusing on the benefits of early detection across cancer types. Moderated by Ayyappan, senior consultant, surgical oncology, the panel included R. Srivathsan, consultant – Uro-oncology & Robotic Surgery; P. Venkat, senior consultant – Surgical Oncology; Asha Reddy, consultant – Breast Surgery; Ajit Pai, senior consultant – Surgical Oncology; Senthil Kumar A. C., senior consultant – Surgical Oncology and Senthil Kumar Ganapthi, senior consultant – Surgical Gastroenterology. The doctors highlighted that cancers identified at Stage Zero or early stages often require less aggressive treatment and are associated with better survival and quality-of-life outcomes.

The campaign also features survivor narratives to underline how timely screening and intervention can change the course of the disease.