Our Correspondent
Kohima | January 17
A cancer awareness programme took place here today under the aegis of the state’s department of health and family welfare (NCCP) in collaboration with BLK Cancer Centre, Delhi.
Held at the DBT Conference Hall, Naga Hospital Authority, Kohima, this awareness programme talked at length and breadth on the incidence of cancer in Nagaland and stressed on the need to address the same through all possible means.
Speaking at the inaugural function as the chief guest, Sentiyanger Imchen, Commissioner and Secretary, Health & Family Welfare stressed on the importance of continuous learning in the field of medical.
In this, he called upon the medical fraternity to keep in touch with the latest findings and techniques so that “we are able to provide better services to the people.”
Also stating that cancer has become a big problem and the incidence in the state is “very high,” he stated that it is high time to stand up and take certain measures. He said the department cannot depend on the central funds to fight cancer and instructed that for the year 2013-14, sufficient amount from the state fund should be earmarked to tackle cancer and organ related diseases.
Imchen requested the NHAK to make a concept note encompassing factors relating to cancer and anti-tobacco.
Dr. Neiphi Kire, Principal Director, Health & Family Welfare said that cancer is one of the dangerous diseases in Nagaland.
Dr. (Col) R. Ranga Rao, VSM, Director, BLKC Centre, HoD Medical Oncology, New Delhi in his keynote address said there is increase of cancer in both incidence and mortality. He reported that according to World Bank the rate of death cause by cancer is expected to rise 50% more by 2030. 7 lakhs deaths were due to tobacco during 2000 he added. He also mentioned that India has 50% of the world oral cancer patients. In order to prevent cancer, Dr. Rao said that one should stop tobacco, eat healthy diet, adequate exercise, avoid overweight and follow a healthy lifestyle.
Explaining the modern radiotherapy techniques, Dr. S. Hukku, MD spoke on the importance of radiotherapy and the new technology involved in fighting cancer. He added that with improved technology complication and rates have come down in treating cancer over the year. He advised the gathering to graduate to modern radiotherapy techniques.
Dr. V.Khamo, principal investigator, Population Based Cancer Registry, Kohima gave an overview of the cancer scenario in Nagaland and said that the leading site of cancer in male was nasopharynx while cervix in the female population of Nagaland
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Dr. Vikeyie Losu, Managing Director, NHAK while Vizolie Suokhrie, medical superintendent NHAK proposed vote of thanks.
