Bengaluru, February 4, 2026:
Marking World Cancer Day, Apollo Cancer Centre (ACC) has launched the ‘Zero to Hero’ campaign, a powerful initiative aimed at promoting cancer detection at Stage Zero and reinforcing the importance of early diagnosis for improved survival and quality of life.
Cancer incidence in India continues to rise sharply. According to data from the ICMR–National Cancer Registry Programme presented in Parliament, over 15 lakh new cancer cases were reported in 2024, with the numbers increasing annually. Alarmingly, one in nine Indians now faces a lifetime risk of developing cancer. Despite advances in medical care, nearly 70 per cent of cancers are still diagnosed at advanced stages (III or IV), when treatment becomes more complex, outcomes are poorer, and the financial burden on families escalates.
Against this backdrop, the ‘Zero to Hero’ campaign highlights the transformative impact of identifying cancer at its earliest stages. The initiative celebrates patients who sought timely screening and intervention, turning a potentially life-threatening diagnosis into a story of survival. While cancers may differ—from brain and breast to lung, liver, pancreas, and head and neck—the common thread among survivors is early detection, which significantly improves outcomes.
Dinesh Madhavan, President – Group Oncology & International, Apollo Hospitals Enterprises Limited, emphasised that early diagnosis must be viewed as a systemic priority. “Data consistently show that cancers detected early have substantially better disease-free and overall survival. At Apollo Cancer Centres, our focus extends beyond treatment to prevention and early identification. Early diagnosis strengthens cancer registries, accelerates care pathways, and enables patients to move from diagnosis to survivorship. This shift from reactive treatment to proactive cancer control can redefine oncology care in India,” he said.
Akshay Oleti, CEO – Karnataka Region, Apollo Hospitals, said the campaign reflects Apollo’s commitment to patient empowerment. “The ‘Zero to Hero’ initiative underscores the importance of awareness, screening, and prompt medical attention. By encouraging individuals to take charge of their health, we aim to transform fear into hope and diagnosis into survival,” he stated.
Clinicians at Apollo Cancer Centre, Bengaluru, noted that early detection dramatically alters the course of treatment. “When cancer is identified at Stage Zero or Stage I, therapies are often less invasive and more effective. Advances in imaging allow precise targeting of tumours, reducing the need for extensive surgery or aggressive chemotherapy and improving long-term outcomes. Patients who prioritise awareness and regular screening give themselves the strongest chance of recovery while preserving their quality of life,” doctors said.
Sharing a personal journey, a cancer survivor treated at Apollo Cancer Centre said early diagnosis made all the difference. “The word ‘cancer’ was frightening, but finding it early changed everything. My treatment was manageable, recovery was quicker, and my life never felt paused. Listening to my body and seeking care in time made me a survivor, not a statistic. Campaigns like ‘Zero to Hero’ remind people that cancer can mean hope—if you act early.”
Through the ‘Zero to Hero’ campaign, Apollo Cancer Centre reiterates a clear message: early detection saves lives, and the earliest win against cancer begins at zero.
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