STAR Hospitals brought together Telangana’s largest group of cyclists for a cancer awareness initiative in Hyderabad

Nearly 1,000 cyclists rode to promote awareness and early cancer detection

Hyderabad, 1 February 2026:

In a historic show of solidarity ahead of World Cancer Day, the STAR Cancer Centre, a Centre of Excellence at STAR Hospitals, in collaboration with FIT India and the Hyderabad Cycling Revolution, organised the STAR Cyclothon – Cancer Awareness Ride 2026 in Nanakramguda. The 10-kilometre ride marked Telangana’s largest gathering of cyclists for a cause, drawing nearly 1,000 participants.

Aligned with the global theme “UNITED BY UNIQUE®️,” the event highlighted personalised cancer care and community strength. Cyclists from diverse backgrounds — including healthcare professionals, cancer survivors, fitness enthusiasts, students, and corporate teams — came together to break the silence around cancer and promote awareness about screening, lifestyle choices, and life after treatment.

Cancer is one of India’s major public health challenges, with over 14 lakh new cases annually. The numbers are rising due to ageing populations, urban lifestyles, tobacco use, dietary changes, environmental factors, and delayed diagnosis. Nearly two-thirds of cancers in India are detected at advanced stages, limiting treatment options and reducing survival rates.

Hyderabad reflects this national trend as a city facing these challenges head-on. Known as the “Breast Cancer Capital of India,” it records one of the highest breast cancer incidence rates nationally, at 54 cases per 100,000 women, compared to the national average of 26.6. Over the past two decades, breast cancer incidence has increased by more than 21 percent in India, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and early detection.

Addressing the event, Dr. Sainath Bhethanabhotla, Senior Consultant and Head of Medical Oncology at STAR Hospitals, emphasised the critical importance of early screening.

“Hyderabad unfortunately carries the tag of the breast cancer capital due to high incidence rates, and we are also seeing a rise in other cancers. People should come forward for screening as symptoms often occur late in the course of disease. Early detection remains the most effective tool to save lives,” he said.

Dr. Vipin Goel, Senior Consultant and Head of Surgical Oncology at STAR Hospitals, shared insights on robotic surgery’s transformative role.

Cancer surgery has evolved significantly with the advent of robotic and minimally invasive techniques. Robotic surgery offers enhanced precision, magnified 3-D vision, and nerve-sparing capabilities, enabling complex procedures to be performed with minimal trauma. Patients benefit from less pain, reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and outcomes comparable to open surgery.

However, advanced technology can save lives only when patients seek care early — awareness and timely consultation remain critical.

Dr. Gopichand Mannam, Managing Director of STAR Hospitals Group Hyderabad, emphasised the centre’s clinical expertise.

“At STAR Cancer Centre, we have developed organ-specific cancer care programmes that tailor treatment to each patient’s unique needs, significantly improving outcomes. Cancer treatment is a journey involving patients, families, and clinicians. Our dedicated team is ready to support patients through every step. But this journey begins with awareness and timely screening.”