Assam registers maximum number of cancer cases within NE region, say healthcare experts

GUWAHATI: Out of 39,000 new cancer cases that are reported in the North East every year, some 29,000 cases are registered in Assam alone, healthcare experts from Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute (BBCI) said during an event at the Assembly Annexe Aizawl , on Tuesday, February 4 which was also World Cancer Day.

Officials also said that approximately 725 people every year in Mizoram die due to cancer, making the North Eastern State the “cancer capital of India.”

Renowned oncologist and Director of BBCI Amal Chandra Kataki spoke on early-stage detection of the condition. Kataki said, "About 80% of initial stage cancer can be cured. The North East is the cancer hub of the country, due to large consumption of tobacco, arena nut and alcohol in the region."

State Health Minister Dr. R Lalthangliana present during the occasion stated that 2,176 people died due to cancer in the last three years. “On an estimate, the disease kills 725 people every year,” he pointed out.

A day-long free screening for breast, oral and uterine cervical cancer, along with facilities for checking blood pressure and sugar were set up during the event.

Staff of the Regional Tobacco Quitline Service at BBCI did a skit to raise awareness on tobacco and its harmful effects by the staff of the Regional Tobacco Quitline Service at BBCI.

It may be noted that World Cancer Day was also observed at various locations on February 4 in Assam. The highlights of the day were “Pledge For Action” campaign in 10 public locations in Guwahati, Inter-College poster competition with National Service Scheme (NSS), interview of cancer survivors, and screening of common cancers in Barpeta, Kamrup (R), Jorhat, Nagaon and Dibrugarh. Assam Cancer Care Foundation (ACCF), a joint partnership between the Government of Assam and Tata Trusts was set up in December 2017 to create a first-of-its-kind, three-level cancer grid in the state, organized a number of awareness activities on the occasion in many parts of the state.

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