Various departments from CIHSR converge in quest for ‘Cancer Care Beyond Cure’

Morung Express News
Chümoukedima | April 27

In a first of its kind in the Northeast region, hosted by the Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR), the Head and Neck Oncology Multi-Disciplinary Summit (HOMS) 2024 was held today at LG Hall, CIHSR.

Held under the theme—Cancer Care Beyond Cure, the one-day scientific sessions witnessed various departments from CIHSR come together and share a platform in providing holistic treatment for head and neck cancer, imparting and exchanging ideas and expertise among the professionals.

Faculty at the national level were invited as speakers who spoke on their specific fields of expertise, which included Tata Memorial Hospital Mumbai, Dr B Barooah Cancer Institute, Guwahati and also Tata Medical Centre, Kolkata.

Handcrafted items on display by the Outreach Service Department, CIHSR during the one-day HOMS 2024 which was held on April 27. (Morung Photo)

Mention may be made that this was the final event in the culmination of the head and neck cancer month for which free screening and awareness programmes were conducted throughout the month, according to the CIHSR.

The personnel working in the departments of ENT, oncology—surgical, medical and radiation, physiotherapy, dietetics, speech and swallowing experts, nurses and technicians attended the summit.

Speaking to The Morung Express on the sidelines, Dr Shirley T Leivon, MDRT, CIHSR said the team was encouraged to organise the event, realising that a multi-disciplinary approach was the need of the hour.

“We believe that the rich experience and knowledge of the speakers and delegate swill enable us to incorporate practical, useful and updated protocols,” she said.

The goal was to improve the curative outcomes and quality of life for all the patients undergoing treatment.

Dr Leivon, who is a radiation oncologist maintained that various factors play into the improvement of a patient after treatment completion and that “expertise from every specialty is almost always required.” Hence, a dedicated teamwork with collaborative efforts, decision making and input from various specialists was of vital importance.

“Because in cancer care, it's not only the oncologist, but a team, a group of professionals who are involved in the care,” she explained.

For instance, a patient who is diagnosed with cancer will need mental and emotional support, this was where the palliative care and psychology departments come into play. Then there is the need for rehabilitation. 

When they undergo treatment, they have speech, swallowing difficulties, for which there are professionals who help them in the area. The ENT doctors, dental doctors, radiation oncologists, surgeons, all come into play.

She informed that multi-disciplinary  board meetings are held in order to discuss the treatment plan for each patient.

“This platform for all of us to come together is very important, to meet each other and collaborate and also to have certain protocols, because each discipline has their own way of thinking and we may not know what the other department knows,” she said.

Dr Leivon expressed hope that the summit will bring a transformative change in their quest for cancer care beyond cure.

Meanwhile, the Outreach Service Department of CIHSR displayed various works of handmade crafts at the venue. Handcrafted products such as baskets, stone art painting, scarves, eco-print T-shirts, penholders, candles, vases, pens were some items that were handcrafted by the patients who are undergoing treatment in the hospital.

The other products made by the department included earrings, paintings, pens, notebooks, pen holders etc, which were made from recycled materials such as newspapers, eggshells, used bed sheets, calendars, wedding cards etc.

Rokotsino, the HOD said the department since its inception in 2019 organises participatory programmes on crafts for people living with chronic health issues such as alcoholics, cancer, kidney failure on dialysis and mental illness, including their caregivers to improve the quality of life in the hospital as well as in the community.

It is a form of therapy and rehabilitation for the patients and family, while at the same time empowering and transforming less privileged people as a way of earning through the many skills imparted in the programme.

“We look forward to supporting and shaping a brighter future for those we empower,” Rokotsino added.