‘Rising blood cancer burden underscores need for early detection and advanced care’

The growing prevalence of blood cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma, particularly in urban centres including Hyderabad, has underlined the urgent need for early detection, advanced treatment options and wider access to care, G.S. Rao, Managing Director of Yashoda Hospitals, said on Friday.

Speaking at Deccan Hematolink 3.0, a two-day international conference focused on the use of artificial intelligence in the diagnosis and treatment of blood cancers, Mr. Rao referred to data from the National Cancer Registry Programme that points to a steady rise in blood cancer cases across the country.

The conference, held in Hyderabad on Saturday, brought together more than 700 haematologists and oncologists from India and overseas to discuss emerging technologies and evolving clinical practices in the management of blood disorders and cancers.

Mr. Rao said the challenge posed by blood cancers extended well beyond clinical treatment alone. Patients and families, he noted, often face psychological stress, financial strain and the need for long-term support, making community awareness and robust support systems just as critical as medical intervention.

“Until a few years ago, treatment options for many patients with blood cancers were limited, often resulting in poor outcomes. However, rapid advances in medical science are now transforming patient care,” he added.