From treating thousands of cancer patients to making treatment accessible for underprivileged families, Hyderabad-based oncologist Dr. P. Vijay Anand Reddy has built a mission around affordable healthcare, awareness and early detection.
Cancer treatment often involves more than medical procedures. For patients from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, the cost of diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation can become an additional burden. Addressing this gap, Dr. P. Vijay Anand Reddy, Director and Senior Consultant Oncologist at Apollo Cancer Centres, Hyderabad, established the CURE Foundation in 2003 along with Dr. Chitti R. Moorthy.
The non-profit organisation works to improve access to cancer treatment through free and subsidised medical care, awareness campaigns, screening initiatives, research and rehabilitation programmes. With more than 33 years of experience and over 15,000 cancer cases treated since 1992, Dr. Reddy has combined clinical practice with a wider commitment to making cancer care accessible. He received the Padma Shri in 2026 for his contributions to oncology and cancer care.
Building A Foundation Around Accessible Cancer Treatment
For many families, a cancer diagnosis brings uncertainty, emotional distress and financial challenges. While advancements in medical science have improved treatment possibilities, access to quality healthcare remains difficult for people who cannot afford expensive procedures. Recognising this challenge, Dr. Reddy helped establish CURE Foundation in 2003 with his colleague and mentor, Dr. Chitti R. Moorthy, a radiation oncologist associated with New York Medical College. The foundation was envisioned as a platform to bridge the gap between medical resources and patients who need them the most.
CURE stands for Cancer Care, Understanding, Research and Education. Its work focuses on cancer prevention, early detection, treatment and rehabilitation, particularly for underprivileged communities. According to the foundation’s official website, it has made quality cancer treatment, both free and subsidised, available to more than 1,100 needy patients. It also works with specialists from reputed hospitals in India and abroad to help economically disadvantaged patients access medical expertise that might otherwise remain beyond their reach. drvijayanandreddy.
The foundation’s work extends beyond financial assistance for treatment. It also focuses on educating patients and healthcare professionals about cancer symptoms, clinical signs and the importance of timely medical intervention. Through awareness and screening programmes, it seeks to encourage people to recognise warning signs and seek medical advice without unnecessary delays. Its objectives also include supporting cancer research, medical education and rehabilitation programmes.
Taking Cancer Awareness Into Communities
One of the important aspects of CURE Foundation’s work is its emphasis on prevention and early diagnosis. The organisation supports awareness campaigns and screening initiatives to help people understand cancer risks, recognise symptoms and seek timely medical attention.
Its efforts have also included anti-tobacco awareness campaigns, addressing one of the major preventable risk factors associated with several cancers. Dr. Reddy has consistently advocated public education about cancer prevention and the importance of identifying the disease at an early stage.
In November 2025, Apollo Cancer Centres, Hyderabad, collaborated with CURE Foundation to organise the ‘Check O Late!’ campaign on National Cancer Awareness Day. The initiative highlighted the importance of regular screening and early diagnosis. It also featured the launch of a Check O Late Box and an interactive QR-code-based awareness video. Medical professionals and healthcare representatives participated in the programme to encourage people to prioritise preventive healthcare.
The foundation has also participated in initiatives addressing childhood cancers. In May 2026, it associated with the eighth edition of WHITATHON, organised by the L V Prasad Eye Institute in Hyderabad. The awareness run marked World Retinoblastoma Awareness Week and focused on early identification of retinoblastoma, a rare childhood eye cancer. The campaign highlighted warning signs such as a white reflex in a child’s eye, poor vision, redness and squinting, encouraging parents to seek medical attention when such symptoms appear.
The foundation’s commitment to childhood cancer care was also highlighted at its ‘Light the Night’ event, organised with Apollo Cancer Centres in Hyderabad on February 2, 2026. The event marked World Cancer Day and 23 years of the foundation’s work. During the programme, Dr. Reddy highlighted that more than 1,500 childhood cancer survivors had been supported through treatment, rehabilitation, research and education initiatives.
A Medical Career Rooted In Compassion
Alongside his philanthropic work, Dr. Reddy has built an extensive career in oncology. According to his official Padma Shri citation, he has treated more than 15,000 cancer cases since 1992 and specialises in head and neck cancers as well as ocular oncology. His professional journey includes international fellowships and contributions to medical education, research and the advancement of radiation oncology in India.
He has also contributed to educating fellow medical professionals through academic lectures, publications and conferences. The official citation records more than 921 continuing medical education lectures and over 112 publications. Beyond clinical practice, he has been associated with initiatives aimed at strengthening oncology training and encouraging research in cancer treatment.
His commitment to cancer patients also extends to palliative care. He is associated with Sparsh Hospice, which provides care to terminally ill patients, helping them maintain dignity and comfort during the final stages of life. He has also authored I Am a Survivor, a book featuring true stories of 108 cancer survivors in English, Hindi and Telugu, intended to offer encouragement and practical guidance to patients and their families.
In May 2026, Dr. Reddy received the Padma Shri from President Droupadi Murmu at the Civil Investiture Ceremony in New Delhi. The recognition acknowledged his contributions to oncology and cancer care. Responding to the honour, he dedicated it to his patients, particularly children and families whose courage and resilience have inspired his journey.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Cancer care should not be determined by a person’s financial circumstances. While medical advancements and specialised treatments remain essential, affordability, awareness, early diagnosis and emotional support are equally important in ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care.
Through CURE Foundation, Dr. Vijay Anand Reddy’s work highlights how medical expertise can extend beyond hospital walls and contribute to community welfare. By supporting underprivileged patients, encouraging preventive screening and promoting cancer education, the initiative addresses several challenges that families encounter during the cancer journey. Its broader message is that access to quality cancer care should not remain a privilege, but become an opportunity available to everyone.
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