In a bid to sensitise the general populace on the importance of early detection of cancer, the State Cancer Society of Meghalaya held a one day cancer screening and awareness programme today at Resubelpara Community Health Centre.
The society’s state nodal officer, Dr Anisha Mawlong, and with her team visited Resubelpara CHC where she informed that the mission was to sensitise the general population on cancer screening and its curability when detected early.
The aim was to also detect cancer at its early stage, thereby reducing the rate of cancer and mortality rate associated with the disease in the state.
Meghalaya is one of the worst states in the country for cancer prevalence, which makes it imperative that people should be made aware of early warning signs of cancer, dos and don’ts and seek immediate treatment from designated hospitals within the state, added Dr Mawlong.
At present Shillong Civil Hospital, NEIGRIHMS and Tura Civil Hospital are catering to cancer care and services.
Dr Mawlong added that in order to facilitate prevention and control of cancer in the region, district medical staff, mid-level health providers (MLHPs) and auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs) will be equipped with capacity building to fight against the rise of cancer.
Meghalaya’s highest levels of cancer are in the head and neck, largely due to habitual consumption of betel nut and tobacco.
Senior Medical & Health Officer at Resubelpara CHC, Dr Rezia K Sangma, elaborated on the importance of cancer screening and early signs and symptoms of cancer. Dr Sangma apprised the gathering that the CHC is equipped with basic testing facilities for screening of cancer and MHIS beneficiaries can avail the treatment free of cost.
