Eastern Sentinel

Beating ignorance, Beating cancer

5th Sep 2022 10:09:PM Editorials

Arunachal Pradesh is witnessing increased incidence of cancer and it is indeed a matter of great concern that cancer has emerged as one of the top five leading causes of death in the state. According to the report by the National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP), 1 out of every 4 persons in Papumpare district had a possibility of developing cancer in a lifetime in the age group 0-74 years. The leading sites of cancer among men include cancers of the stomach, liver, lung and oseophagus. In women--cervix, stomach and breast comprise the leading cancer sites.

The state has a high cancer burden as a result of the wide disparity in diagnosis and treatment. Lack of awareness, socioeconomic conditions and difficulty to access facilities for cancer diagnosis and treatment adds to the trauma and pain of the patient.

Experts agree that cancer awareness is the key to early detection and timely seeking of medical help. Poor awareness may lead to poor uptake of screening modalities and delay in diagnosis. The poor awareness level among the population shows the need for health education and sensitisation regarding cancer and its different aspects. This will be helpful in the successful implementation of health programmes related to cancer.

Tribal food habits have also been considered as Cancer causing and there is a need for behavioural and lifestyle changes for the prevention of cancer. The involvement of civil society bodies in creating mass awareness of cancer and related risks will also help in fighting this disease.

Development of cancer facilities must go hand in hand with generating awareness among the populace about the disease. Often patients ignorance cause delay in seeking help for cancer-like symptoms and by the time they turn up at hospitals, it is already too late.

Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

<< Back to News List