The Cancer Institute (W.I.A) also known as Adyar Cancer Institute is a public charitable voluntary not-for-profit institution that is dedicated to the service of cancer patients since 1954.
It is a Regional Centre for Cancer Research and Treatment and recognized as the State Cancer Institute, the apex body. We are pioneers in cancer care from prevention to palliation, offering ethical and state-of-the -art multi-modality treatment. The care is free or heavily subsidised or paid for, as needed. We assure our patients the best possible treatment, creating trust and hope.
The Institute is a comprehensive cancer centre with a 545 in-patient beds hospital, a research division, a College of Oncological sciences and a division of preventive oncology. The Molecular Oncology Department is a Centre of Excellence designated by Dept of Science and Technology, Govt. of India.
Annually, about 15,000 new patients and 150,000 follow up patients are managed at the Institute.




Since 1954
The Cancer Institute (WIA), Chennai, was established by the Women India Association’s (WIA) Cancer Relief Fund under the leadership of Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy, as a ‘mission’ to provide scientific treatment and promote health education amongst all sections of people. The ethos of the Cancer Institute (WIA) is ‘service to all’ irrespective of social or economic class. It was established in the faith that selfless service would generate its own strength and funds would always be found. The Institute will not be confined to the four walls of a multi storeyed building but will strive to reach out to every nook and corner of the state. The Cancer Institute (WIA) shall aspire to be a symbol of man’s eternal quest to conquer disease and an inspiration that reaches out to humanity.
The Adyar Cancer Institute continues to deliver all the services rendered by Dr. V. Shanta at campus Gandhi Nagar, Adyar (since 1954) and Dr. S. Krishnamurthi at campus adjacent to IIT Madras (since 1982).