To create cancer awareness, a programme “Run And Ride Against Cancer” under the theme “Beat Cancer” with Cachar cancer hospital and research centre supported by Tata trusts was organized at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima with commissioner and secretary health and family welfare Nagaland R. Ramakhrishnan (IAS) as the chief guest on Saturday. The programme was held in collaboration with Silchar Thumpers Enfield Club, the Voice of Tobacco Victims (VoTV), Tata Motors and National Cancer Grid.
Ramakhrishnan in his address said, according to official reports, around 10 -14 lakhs new cases of cancer occur in the country. He said in Nagaland alone around 600 to 700 new cases of cancer every year. He said that the state would have a centre for cancer treatment very soon which was delayed due to land issues but the matter was now settled. He opined that with the help of Tata trust more centres for cancer treatment could come up in the state. He explained that in many cases normal cells mutate into cancer cells due to our own habits like consumption of tobacco and smoking. With more awareness among the youngsters the prevelance of cancer could be checked to a large extent he said.
Director Cachar Cancer Hospital & Research Centre and Voice of Tobacco Victims (VoTV) patron Dr. Ravi Kannan said the rally is aimed at spreading awareness on cancer and he also explained the importance of early detection. He said 50% of cancer cases are caused due to tobacco consumption and 30% people die prematurely. Dr. Kannan stated that to reduce cancer, we need support and cooperation from the society and people to create awareness. The North-Eastern Region with a population of approximately 5 crores sees about 45,000 new cancer cases every year.
Around 35 bikers from outside the state interacted with people and organizations along the way – at small towns, villages and big cities all across the North East Indian states spreading awareness about cancer — risk factors, signs and symptoms, preventive measures, research aspects and treatment modalities. There were a series of events — street plays, sensitization and educational talks as well as stories of cancer patients. In Kohima there was a 5 km run and walkathon to spread awareness of cancer. The run saw participation by students, teachers, bikers and volunteers.
Managing Director Naga Hospital Authority, Kohima Dr. Neikhrielie Khimiao delivered a welcome speech, a welcome song was presented by Nursing school NHAK, an introduction speech was delivered by population based cancer registry NHAK Dr. V. Khamo, three cancer survivors shared their experiences, medical superintendent NHAK Dr. Thorrhusie Katiry proposed the vote of thanks. The team and bikers left for Imphal after the programme.
It may be mentioned that the Ride and Run campaign started from Silcher, Guwahati Tezpur, Itanagar, Dibrugarh and reached Kohima. The convoy is heading for Imphal, Aizwal, Agartala to conclude in Silchar on March 22. The riders will cover a total distance of over 2100 kms.
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