Cancer Institute (WIA) is a charitable institution founded by Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy and nurtured by Dr. S. Krishnamurthi and Dr V. Shanta. It has traversed an eventful journey of more than 60 years. Since its inception in 1954, the institute has witnessed steady growth; from a cottage hospital of 12 beds to a comprehensive cancer centre with over 675 patient care beds, a research division, a college of oncological sciences with teaching programs in medical & paramedical fields, a preventive oncology division actively involved in cancer screening programs across the State & palliative care services. The Institute treats about 20 – 25% free and another 25% subsidized by governmental & non-governmental welfare organisations. This pioneering institution stands as an epitome in cancer care, a singular entity within the private sector. Besides the medical facilities in the 2 campuses in Adyar – Chennai, the other services of Adyar Cancer Institute includes one free hospice named Mahaveer Ashray at Sriperumbudur in Kanchipuram district and outreach cancer prevention/screening operations in 6  districts and a population-based cancer registry surveillance of entire Tamil Nadu.