Programs for Cancer Awareness, Tobacco & Drugs Prevention in Telangana
Local Context & Why It Matters
Rising Cancer Cases
Telangana is projected to reach ~53,000 cancer patients by 2025 (combined for males and females), up from about 47,620 cases in 2020.
Among women, breast cancer is the leading type in Hyderabad, with an age-adjusted incidence rate of ~48 per 100,000.Tobacco Use is High, Especially in Rural Areas
Rural Telangana leads among major Indian states in household spending on pan, tobacco, and intoxicants. In some rural households, up to 7.29% of monthly spending is on these items.
The widespread use of tobacco in multiple forms is a key contributor to head and neck cancers, lung cancer and other serious illnesses across the state.Substance Abuse / Drug Dependence & De-addiction Trends
• Recent years have seen a large increase in enrollments in government rehab centres — in 2024-25, about 12,032 people enrolled (nearly double the previous year’s figure).
• Nearly 2.5% of India’s drug addicts are from Telangana — amounting to ~19.07 lakh people (2019 survey).
• Urban areas (Hyderabad, GHMC limits etc.) show greater rates of drug abuse among students and young professionals compared to rural parts.Link between Tobacco & Other Diseases
For example, about 89% of TB patients in Telangana are known tobacco users. In some districts like Karimnagar, almost all TB patients report using tobacco products.
What We Do: Our Local Programs
Here are the initiatives we conduct (or plan to conduct) in Telangana / Hyderabad to address cancer, tobacco and drug abuse:
Cancer Awareness & Screening Camps
Conduct free/subsidized screening for common cancers: breast, cervical, oral, lung etc., especially in semi-urban and rural districts.
Awareness workshops to educate on cancer warning signs: lumps, unexplained bleeding, changes in oral health (mouth sores, persistent cough etc.), skin changes.
Collaboration with district hospitals to ensure follow-ups and referrals for diagnosis / treatment.
Tobacco Control & Cessation Support
Community outreach in villages: promote “tobacco-free villages” under NTCP (National Tobacco Control Programme).
Behaviour change sessions: speak of risks (cancer, lung disease, TB etc.), peer support groups for quitting, counselling facilities.
Monitoring & enforcement support: working with local authorities to limit availability of loose tobacco/pan etc., improve signage, awareness of bans.
Drug Abuse Prevention & De-Addiction
Awareness programs in colleges, workplaces, youth clubs in Hyderabad & Telangana: risks of drug use, how to get help, recognising addiction.
Support for government de-addiction centres: promoting access, reducing stigma, helping people enroll.
Engaging students & young professionals (who are a large part of urban drug abuse) to be ambassadors.
Public Health Partnerships
Tying up with hospitals, medical colleges, NGOs, local health departments to support training of health workers, counsellors.
Media campaigns (radio, print, social media) using local language (Telugu, Urdu etc.) to spread messages.
Using data/trends from Telangana’s PBCRs (Population Based Cancer Registry) and other sources to tailor interventions to areas where incidence is high.
Our Promise
When you donate, you’re not just giving food—you’re giving hope, nourishment, and a chance for someone to smile despite hardship. At KSK Charitable Trust, we promise to use every donation with care, respect, and full accountability.