“Over the years, oncology has taught me that progress in cancer care comes from a balance of science, awareness, and compassion.
I grew up in Hyderabad as a shy child and studios child, the youngest of three siblings. My father, a Deputy Collector, was a man of few words but immense action. Because of his service, our family moved frequently between Hyderabad, Guntur, and Visakhapatnam. Witnessing his dedication to public service and his emphasis on discipline guided me toward medicine. In 1994, I joined Manipal University for my MBBS as part of its first MAHE entrance batch.
During my student years, the theoretical became painfully personal. I lost my aunt to advanced cancer and later my grandmother to ovarian cancer. Both were diagnosed at late stages. These losses became my ‘why.’ They forged my belief that early detection isn’t just a medical goal—it is the difference between a tragedy and a second chance at life.
I joined Radiation Oncology in 2002. The early years were intense, with a majority of patients arriving in advanced stages of disease. While the science of treatment evolved, what stayed constant was the emotional burden patients and families carried. Witnessing patients respond to therapy and reclaim hope strengthened my resolve to stay committed to this demanding field.
After returning to Hyderabad in 2008, my work expanded beyond hospital walls. I became deeply involved in cancer awareness and screening, especially in semi-urban and rural regions. Through the Singaraju Cancer Foundation, we conduct medical camps and public talks, focusing on tobacco-related cancers and early screenings for breast and cervical cancer.
A defining moment was participating in a large-scale breast cancer screening initiative near Guntur, where nearly 5,000 women were screened in a single day—an effort recognized in the Guinness World Records. It highlighted how community-driven preventive healthcare can make a real impact.
Today, I serve as a Senior Clinical Oncologist in Hyderabad. My goal is to ensure that quality treatment remains accessible.
While recognitions like the Pride of Hyderabad have followed, my greatest fulfillment comes from the trust my patients place in me during their toughest hours. My guiding principle remains unchanged: Cure with compassion. On this World Cancer Awareness Day, I am reminded that awareness, prevention, and early diagnosis are as powerful as any treatment—and together, they can save lives.”
- Dr. Mallik Singaraju, Clinical Oncologist