Shillong, Feb 4: As the people across the globe observe World Cancer Day on February 4, doctors in the state have expressed concern about the alarming rise of cancer cases in the state especially that of tobacco-related cancer. Joining the rest of the world in the fight against Cancer, Civil Hospital, Shillong also held a programme under the theme, “I am and I will”.
Cancer specialist, Civil Hospital Shillong Dr. Anisha Mawlong said, “I believe that we as a state will win against the menace of Cancer which has destroyed many lives and has caused sufferings and loss of many lives”.
Stating that the cancer data in the state is alarming, Dr. Mawlong said that the state ranks third for male cancer patients and eleventh rank for female cancer patients in the country.
With regard to tobacco-related cancer, the state ranks first in the country. We have to reduce the use of tobacco in the state.
Meanwhile, the Joint Director of Health Services (SS) of Civil Hospital, Shillong, Dr. Andreas Dkhar said that cancer cases in the state are increasing almost everyday. Speaking to reporters on the occasion of World Cancer Day observed at Civil Hospital on Thursday, he informed that the prevalent cases of cancer that of throat cancer, oral or mouth cancer and oesophageal cancer on the occasion. He said that the reason behind the rise in the cases of cancer is the lifestyle of the people, smoking, areca nut or betel nut, dried meat and fermented food, the smoke emitting from the use of wood for burning and cooking also causes cancer.
