Health experts stress early cancer detection at awareness programme

Medanta Gurugram, in collaboration with Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR) and Beyond Cancer, organized a health talk on “Importance of Early Detection of Cancer” on September 17 at LG Hall, CIHSR Hospital, Chümoukedima.
The programme featured Medanta Gurugram’s Senior Director (Medical Oncology), Dr. Amit Bhargava, and Senior Consultant (Radiation Oncology), Dr. Sorun Shishak, as resource persons. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Bhargava emphasized that awareness and early detection are key to saving lives, stating that his greatest fulfillment comes from educating communities. Citing global data from 2020, he noted that India accounts for 2.5 million cancer patients and 5.7 lakh deaths annually, with lifestyle factors contributing to nearly 80% of cases.
He described cancer as a condition where cells defy the body’s signals and multiply uncontrollably, damaging organs and spreading through blood and lymphatics. He warned that symptoms often appear late, making early screening essential. Highlighting Nagaland’s cancer burden—124 cases per lakh population—he called for urgent attention and community-level interventions.
Dr. Bhargava also outlined WHO’s nine warning signs and nine lifestyle-related risk factors, including tobacco, alcohol, poor diet, physical inactivity, and exposure to industrial waste. He urged regular screenings and healthier living to reduce risk.
Dr. Sorun Shishak, in her presentation, focused on breast cancer, which she said is the second most common cancer globally and a leading cause of death among women. She noted that in India, lung and oral cancers are prevalent among men, while breast and gynecological cancers dominate among women. Dr. Sorun Shishak highlighted that over 40% of men in Nagaland use tobacco and one in four consumes alcohol, both figures significantly higher than among women. Obesity is also slightly more prevalent in men. However, she noted that the traditional diet—rich in smoked, salty, and spicy food—remains a major contributor to the region’s high cancer incidence. Cancer currently ranks as the fifth leading cause of death in Nagaland, compared to its position in the top ten nationally.
She expressed concern over low screening rates among women in the state, citing ICMR data that less than 1% undergo regular breast and cervical cancer screening. Barriers include social stigma, limited public health funding, and fear of treatment. She emphasized that no one is at zero risk and encouraged monthly self-exams and mammograms from age 40.
Dr. Shishak also addressed rising cases of colorectal, cervical, oral, and nasopharyngeal cancers in the region, linking them to lifestyle and environmental factors. She advocated early detection through Pap smears, colonoscopy, and awareness of visible symptoms.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Hetoli Shikhu, with invocation by Twinkle Kiba, welcome address by Beyond Cancer founder Ahimsa Zhimo, and benediction by Sumi Baptist Church, Dimapur. A short speech was delivered by CIHSR HOD Radiotherapy Department, Dr. Khrutsozo Kikhi, followed by an interaction session and Medical Oncology OPD for patients.