80 percent cancer ‘preventable’, oncologists alert Meghalaya

SHILLONG, JUN 7: Around 70 to 80 per cent of cancer cases are linked to preventable causes, and therefore, early screening is important for effective dealing with the growing rise of the disease in Meghalaya, medical experts have emphasised.
Oncologist Dr J.C.A. Lamin of Shillong Medical College and Civil Hospital said Meghalaya continues to witness among the highest cancer incidences in India, with oesophageal cancer being the most common in the state, followed by oral cancer.
Tobacco use, both smoked and smokeless, betel nut chewing, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, lack of exercise, pollution and HPV infection were the major risk factors, he mentioned.
Lamin urged people to watch for warning signs such as unexplained weight loss, persistent cough, non-healing sores, difficulty swallowing and unusual lumps, and to seek medical attention promptly.
Meghalaya has been consistently registering high cancer cases in the country, prompting health officials and cancer specialists to call for early screening, lifestyle changes and HPV vaccination among the vulnerable groups.
Health and Family Welfare minister Wailadmiki Shylla has urged people to take advantage of free screening facilities available across the state’s healthcare network.
The minister was addressing a cancer awareness and screening programme after a walkathon, organised by the State Cancer Society of Meghalaya under the theme “From Hills to Hope – Walking for a Cancer-Free Meghalaya”, to promote cancer awareness and encourage community participation, particularly among the youth, at Jowai, headquarters of West Jaintia Hills district on Saturday.
Shylla said the govt has expanded cancer awareness and screening programmes throughout Meghalaya in response to the growing number of cases. Screening and testing services are now available at sub-centres, primary health centres, community health centres and govt hospitals.
“Early detection is extremely important. Identifying cancer at an early stage significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and recovery,” he underscored.
Shylla also highlighted the state’s free HPV vaccination programme for girls aged 12 to 14 years, describing it as a crucial tool in preventing certain cancers.
He urged parents and eligible beneficiaries to avail themselves of the vaccine.
Shylla assured cancer patients that treatment expenses are covered under the Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS), which provides financial assistance of up to Rs 5 lakh. He said an additional Rs 2 lakh is available through the CM Care Scheme.