Shillong, Feb 4: With Meghalaya continuing to record one of the highest cancer incidences in the country, the State Cancer Society of Meghalaya launched a series of major initiatives — including a statewide HPV testing programme and a dedicated Cancer Screening App on World Cancer Day — at the 2nd Meghalaya Cancer Conclave held on Wednesday in Shillong.
The conclave brought together doctors from across the state, senior health officials, and policymakers to chart a stronger response to the growing cancer burden.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Wailadmiki Shylla, who attended asthe chief guest, said cancer remains one of the most pressing public health challenges in Meghalaya. Citing national data, he noted that India records nearly 1.56 million new cancer cases annually, while Meghalaya continues to report high incidence rates, particularly inthe East Khasi Hills district.
“Every cancer patient has a unique story. We cannot shy away from confronting this growing crisis,” Shylla said, urging citizens to undergo health check-ups even in the absence of symptoms.
He pointed to tobacco and alcohol consumption as major risk factors in the state, but stressed that late diagnosis, social stigma, and low participation in screening programmes are worsening outcomes. Despite expanded screening drives over the past two years, public participation has declined, he said.
Reiterating the government’s commitment, the Minister said free cancer treatment — including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and palliative care — is being provided at Civil Hospitals in Shillong and Tura.
Advanced equipment is also being installed to strengthen treatment capacity.
In a video message, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said nearly nine per cent of the state’s budget has been allocated to healthcare, underscoring the government’s focus on early detection and improved cancer care services.
Principal Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Sampath Kumar highlighted alarming district-level data, stating that East Khasi Hills records 227.9 cancer cases per one lakh male population — among the highest in the state. He identified late detection as a critical concern and said early diagnosis significantly improves survival rates.
Currently, comprehensive cancer treatment facilities are available only in Shillong, though the government is working towards establishing treatment centres in all districts, he added.
During the conclave, the Health Minister formally launched the field implementation of the Meghalaya Mission for Cancer Prevention and Early Detection, a Cancer screening app and new screening devices. A state-wide HPV testing initiative was also launched. HPV testing is a medical test used to detect infection with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) — a very common virus that can lead to certain types of cancer, especially cervical cancer.
A collaborative cancer control project with the Grace Cancer Foundation, Hyderabad was launched in the West Khasi Hills.
The Minister also felicitated the best-performing district under the NP-NCD programme and launched the State Health Systems Resource Centre’s Health Atlas.
Health officials said the initiatives aim to strengthen early detection, improve data-driven interventions, and expand cancer care access beyond urban centres — as Meghalaya steps up efforts to tackle one of its most serious public health challenges.
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