The ICMR report that Cancer ranks among the top five leading causes of death in the state is alarming.
According to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) data out of every 1 lakh individuals about 200 are affected by cancer in East Khasi Hills district.
As per Age Adjusted Incidence Rate (AAR ) per 1,00,000 population, it is higher in males (176.8 per 100,000 males) than females (96.5 per 100,000 females).
According to the ICMR data, the Age-Specific Incidence Rates in both the genders show a rise from 30-34 years age-group onwards. In both genders, the highest Age-Specific Incidence Rate is seen in the 70-74 years age-group.
Also the probability of one in number of persons developing cancer in 0-74 years age of oesophageal cancer is highest in both genders (1 in every 17 males and 1 in every 36 females), followed by cancer of hypopharynx in males (1 in every 57 males) and mouth cancer in females (1 in every 94 females).
The ICMR data also states that the proportion of oesophageal cancer is highest in both the genders (31.0% in males; 22.3% in females). In males, hypopharynx (8.8%) and stomach (6.3%) are the second and third leading cancer sites respectively, whereas, in females, cervix-uteri (10.0%) and mouth (8.2%) rank as second and third leading cancer sites.
The data also indicates that as many as two thirds (66.9%) of cancers in males and 43.1% in females are tobacco use related cancer sites.
Oesophagus is the leading cancer site related to tobacco use in both the genders (31.0% in males and 22.3% in females).
According to another study, one of the factor influencing delayed cancer treatment in Meghalaya included misconceptions regarding the causes of cancer and cultural concepts such as bih and skai (Khasi language), i.e. notions of a figurative ‘poison’ or ill intent that makes one susceptible to illness.
A general reluctance to discuss cancer diagnoses, perceived stigma, apprehension of treatment methods influenced their decision.
Other factors included negligence and misinterpretation of early symptoms of cancer, self-management, preference for traditional medicines, financial constraints and health system-related factors.
Truth be told, even though Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh urged citizens to trust health care facilities in Meghalaya, it is still ill-equipped to handle the crisis.
Those patients who can afford treatment outside the state prefer to be cared for in Vellore, Mumbai, Delhi or Guwahati.
Even though the know has these data, however the government is yet to reduce the out-of-pocket expenses to cure cancer.
To enhance treatment capabilities, the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) is upgrading its facilities, with plans to introduce essential cancer tests soon.
Additionally, the state government intends to expand the cancer wing at Shillong Civil Hospital into a 200-bed facility.
On average, the cancer wing at Shillong Civil Hospital attends to 8,382 outdoor cancer patients annually. In the year 2024, 1,649 new cancer cases were registered, and 456 patients received radiotherapy at the facility.
