Kolkata, February 11, 2026: Marking World Cancer Day with a strong call for early detection, Apollo Cancer Centre, Kolkata has launched its awareness initiative ‘ZERO TO HERO’, a campaign dedicated to promoting Stage Zero cancer diagnosis and improving survival outcomes through timely intervention.
With cancer cases in India witnessing a sharp rise—over 15 lakh new diagnoses reported in 2024 as per ICMR-NCRP data presented in Parliament—the disease has become a significant public health concern. Current estimates indicate that one in nine Indians faces a lifetime cancer risk, while more than 70% of cases are detected only at advanced stages (III/IV), when treatment becomes more complex, survival rates decline, and financial burdens escalate.
Against this backdrop, the Zero to Hero campaign highlights the transformative impact of detecting cancer at its earliest stage. The initiative celebrates survivors who, through awareness, screening, and prompt medical care, turned their diagnosis into stories of resilience and recovery. While cancers vary—from breast and lung to liver, pancreas, brain, and neck—the unifying thread among these survivors is early diagnosis.
Mr. Rana Dasgupta, CEO, Apollo Hospitals Eastern Region, emphasised the systemic importance of early detection, stating that identifying cancer in its initial stages significantly improves disease-free survival and long-term outcomes. He noted that Apollo continues to move beyond treatment toward prevention, strengthening registries and accelerating care pathways to transform cancer control from reactive to proactive.
Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Surinder Singh Bhatia, Director – Medical Services, Apollo Hospitals – Eastern Region, said the campaign aims to shift public perception from late-stage crisis management to early-stage victory. Detecting cancer at Stage Zero or One, he said, often results in simpler treatment, stronger recovery, and faster return to normal life.
Oncologists at Apollo Cancer Centre underscored the clinical impact of early intervention. Dr. Shaikat Gupta, Dr. Supratim Bhattacharyya, and Dr. Vikash Kumar Agarwal, Surgical Oncology specialists, jointly highlighted that early-stage cancers are typically less invasive to treat and offer significantly improved survival rates, while delayed diagnosis complicates outcomes and quality of life.
Dr. Joydeep Ghosh, Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology, described patients as the true heroes of the campaign—individuals who prioritise screening and timely care, dramatically altering the trajectory of the disease.
From a radiation oncology perspective, Dr. Tanweer Shahid, Director & Senior Consultant, pointed out that modern imaging and precision radiation therapy are most effective when cancer is detected early, enabling targeted treatment with reduced dependence on extensive surgery or chemotherapy.
Adding a powerful human voice to the initiative, cancer survivor Ms. Mili Mondal shared how early diagnosis changed her journey. Detecting the disease at an initial stage made treatment manageable and recovery faster, allowing her to reclaim normalcy and view survivorship as a story of hope rather than fear.
Through #WinningOverCancer, Apollo Cancer Centre’s Zero to Hero campaign reinforces a critical public health message: cancer detected early is often cancer defeated early.
