CancerCases – Tirupati Reports Sharp Rise in Cancer Registrations Over Three Years
CancerCases – Tirupati has recorded a significant increase in cancer patient registrations over the past three years, highlighting both the growing health challenge in the region and the expanding reach of medical screening services. Official figures show that new patient registrations climbed from 2,556 in late 2022 to more than 7,000 by the end of 2025, marking an increase of nearly 175 percent. During the same period, the number of confirmed cancer diagnoses rose to 3,413, while the total cases documented since mid-2022 approached 11,000.
Tobacco Consumption Remains a Major Concern
Healthcare specialists believe the widespread use of gutkha and other forms of smokeless tobacco is one of the leading factors behind the growing number of cancer cases. Medical professionals have noted that many individuals fail to seek timely medical advice when early symptoms appear. Common warning signs, including painless white patches inside the mouth, are frequently overlooked until the condition progresses to a more advanced stage.
Improved Screening Contributes to Higher Detection
Speaking on the occasion of World Tobacco Day, Dr. Prasanth, Medical Director of SVICCAR, which operates under the Tata Cancer Care Foundation, explained that the increase in registrations is not solely linked to rising disease burden. According to him, greater public awareness and improved access to cancer screening have also played a major role in identifying cases that might otherwise have remained undiagnosed.
He stated that the institution’s objective is to provide advanced, evidence-based cancer treatment within Tirupati itself, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances in search of specialized care. Outreach programmes conducted by the institute are helping extend cancer screening services to local communities while also equipping healthcare professionals with skills for early diagnosis.
Expansion of Advanced Treatment Facilities
The availability of modern treatment infrastructure has transformed cancer care in the city. Hospital data indicate a dramatic rise in complex head and neck cancer surgeries, increasing from just 33 procedures during 2022-23 to 697 procedures in 2025-26. This growth reflects both higher patient volumes and enhanced treatment capabilities within the region.
To strengthen preventive efforts, SVICCAR has also introduced a dedicated Tobacco Cessation Clinic. In addition, the institute regularly conducts awareness campaigns through approximately 20 outreach programmes designed to educate residents about cancer risks and prevention strategies.
Large-Scale Community Health Campaigns
Since 2020, healthcare teams associated with the institute have screened more than 143,000 individuals for oral, breast, and cervical cancers. These large-scale initiatives are intended to identify potential health concerns at an earlier stage, improving treatment outcomes and reducing disease-related complications.
Special awareness drives are being organized in collaboration with auto-rickshaw unions and educational institutions to reach groups considered particularly vulnerable to tobacco-related health risks. Community engagement activities, including workshops focused on ventilation practices and public health awareness, are also being carried out to help reduce long-term exposure to risk factors.
Focus on Prevention and Accessible Care
Dr. Prasanth emphasized that the institute is working toward creating a comprehensive cancer care system that balances prevention, early detection, treatment, and recovery support. By strengthening healthcare services locally, the goal is to ensure that patients and their families can receive quality cancer treatment closer to home without the financial and emotional burden of travelling to major metropolitan centres