Along with the rest of the world, Nagaland observed World Cancer Day (WCD) under the theme, “I am, I will”, at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK), on Monday, organised by NHAK and Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, Nagaland.
World Cancer Day, organised by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and celebrated each year on February 4, is an opportunity to rally the international community to end the injustice of preventable suffering from cancer.
Speaking as special guest at the event, NHAK managing director, Dr. Thorhusie Katiry, said the World Cancer Day was very important and significant in the context of Nagaland where the scenario of cancer cases was very sad affecting many families.
Dr. Katiry reported that out of many patients who come to the hospital every week, around 2-3 were cancer patients. He said many people lose hope when cancer is detected. However, Dr. Katiry said that cancer is curable if detected at the early stages. He advocated for more awareness about the disease.
Though human science and technology, he said, had advanced, one should regularly check the foods they eat, water they drink and lifestyles they live, because cancer cases have become common these days.
Stressing on the importance of the theme, Dr. Katiry urged medical professionals and intellectuals to carry forward the message of cancer and spread awareness that cancer was curable.
He also advised the gathering not to scare others regarding the cancer disease, but work jointly to reduce cancer statistics in the state.
Population Based Cancer Registry (PBCR) principal investigator Dr. Vinotsole Khamo, giving a slide-show presentation on cancer, also pointed out that cancer was treatable if detected in the early stages. She said that the leading types of cancer in males were Nasopharynx (19.27), stomach (17.45), oesophagus (16.06) etc and for females, the cervix (19.09), stomach (13.64), breasts (11.82) etc.
She also highlighted cancer symptoms and signs of oral, throat, stomach, liver, lung, colorectal, breast, skin and other types of the disease. Dr. Khamo said cancer can strike anyone irrespective of age, colour, religion, race or nationality.
In this regard, she advised the people eat healthy foods and ensure proper nutrition, perform physical activities and daily exercise, lessen exposure to sunlight, avoid artificial foods and food products, avoid the habit of chewing tobacco and drinking alcohol, maintain proper hygiene etc.
The program was chaired by Dr. Lalkrawsthangi Khalo, a welcome song was presented by students of school of nursing NHAK and a vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Zuchamo Patton.
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