Collector K. Venkataramana Reddy stated, while quoting the preliminary estimates prepared by the medical and health department, that the district's population has a susceptibility of nearly 10% to cancer. He made this announcement during the ten-day cancer awareness and training program for screening tests, which was organized by Sri Padmavati Mahila Medical College for community health officers and mid-level health providers. The event took place on July 18 (Tuesday) at the Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS) University campus.

Addressing the ANMs and volunteers, the Collector urged them to utilize the software designed for identifying cancer patients and encouraged everyone to undergo screenings at the 'Pink Bus' service operated by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) with specialist doctors.

The Collector recalled that the SVIMS super specialty hospital and the district administration, in coordination with Tata Cancer Institute, developed training modules for screening and treatment. "I urge all the stakeholders to strive for making Tirupati district cancer-free," appealed the Collector.

TTD Executive Officer A.V. Dharma Reddy stated that Sri Balaji Institute of Oncology (SBIO), TTD's cancer hospital, is well-equipped to provide treatment for all kinds of cancer.

He squarely attributed the rise in cancer to the change in lifestyle concerning food and physical exercise regimen as the pivotal factors. “The junk food culture is the main cause and the ancient knowledge embedded in Patanjali Maharshi’s Yoga Sutra offers the solutions,” he said.

Mr. Reddy announced that Sri Venkateswara Vedic University would soon organize another training program on yoga and solutions for cancer. He also added that the TTD is actively promoting organic cow-based farming and the use of such products. He appealed to the stakeholders to spread awareness about these practices in villages.

TTD Joint Executive Officer (Education and Health) Sada Bhargavi, who also serves as the Director of SVIMS, revealed the plans to establish permanent centers at Gudur, Srikalahasti, and Chandragiri in consultation with the State government.

The program saw participation from SPMMC principal Charan B. Singh, Community Medicine head Nagaraj, SBIO OSD Jayachandra Reddy, District Medical and Health Officer U. Srihari, and SV Medical College principal P.V. Chandrasekharan.