Megastar Chiranjeevi on Wednesday said that cancer should not be viewed as a death sentence and stressed that early detection can help patients overcome the disease and lead normal lives. Speaking after inaugurating the International Cancer Day program organized by KIMS Hospitals, Secunderabad, Chiranjeevi expressed concern over the increasing number of children affected by cancer. 

He urged the public to be vigilant and consult doctors immediately if symptoms appear. KIMS Group of Hospitals CMD Dr. B. Bhaskar Rao highlighted that advanced medical care, including robotic surgeries, is now available in India.  Senior Consultant Surgical Oncologist, Robotic Surgeon Dr. Madhu Devarasetty, who organized the program said that while cancer was earlier considered a disease affecting people above 40 or 50 years, it is now being diagnosed even in children aged five and 10 years. 

He attributed this trend to genetic factors, heredity, radiation exposure, chemicals, fertilizers, alcohol consumption, smoking, stress, and lifestyle-related conditions such as diabetes. 

Dr. Devarasetty also noted that several advanced treatment options are now available and that many patients are living longer and healthier lives after treatment. Cancer survivors shared their experiences during the event.