Shillong, Feb 4:Meghalaya’s State Cancer Society today launched several new initiatives to strengthen cancer prevention and early detection. The launches took place on World Cancer Day during the 2nd Meghalaya Cancer Conclave held here.
Key initiatives include a statewide HPV (human papillomavirus) testing programme and the Cancer Screening App. The conclave was attended by doctors from across the state, senior health officials and policymakers to discuss ways to address the rising number of cancer cases.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Wailadmiki Shylla said cancer remains a major public health concern in Meghalaya. Referring to national figures, he said India records about 1.56 million new cancer cases every year, while Meghalaya continues to see high numbers, especially in East Khasi Hills.
He urged people to go for regular health check-ups even if they do not have symptoms. The minister said tobacco and alcohol use are key risk factors in the state and added that late diagnosis, social stigma and poor response to screening programmes are affecting outcomes. He noted that public participation in screening has dropped despite efforts over the past two years.
Shylla said the government is providing free cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery and palliative care, at Shillong’s and Tura’s Civil Hospitals. He added that new equipment is being installed to improve treatment facilities.
In a video message, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said nearly 9 per cent of the state budget has been set aside for healthcare, with a focus on early detection and better cancer care services.
Principal Secretary of Health and Family Welfare, Sampath Kumar, said East Khasi Hills reports 227.9 cancer cases per 1 lakh male population, one of the highest rates in the state. He said late detection remains a serious issue and stressed that early diagnosis improves survival chances. He added that full cancer treatment facilities are currently available only in Shillong but efforts are underway to set up centres in other districts.
During the conclave, the Health Minister also launched the field implementation of the Meghalaya Mission for Cancer Prevention and Early Detection, along with new screening devices and the Cancer Screening App. A statewide HPV testing programme was launched to help detect human papillomavirus infections, which are the cause of most cases of cervical cancer.
A cancer control project in collaboration with the Grace Cancer Foundation, Hyderabad, was launched in West Khasi Hills. Shylla also felicitated the best-performing district under the NP-NCD programme and launched the State Health Systems Resource Centre’s Health Atlas.
