Nagaland is the second most cancer prevalence state in the country after Mizoram, Dr. Kaushik Subramanian, consultant surgical gastroenterology at Faith Hospital, disclosed this during the ‘clinical meet on recent advances of gastric cancer’ with the medical professionals at Faith Hospital, here on Saturday.
Interacting with the media persons after the meeting, Dr. Subramanian said dietary was a major contributing factor to cancer, adding that the intake of alcohol, tobacco, smoked fish, smoked meat, king chilly etc. increased the risk factor.
Dr. Subramanian stressed on the need to create awareness among the people in the state concerning cancer, treatment options and prognosis. He said that unexpected loss in body weight, loss of appetite, blood in vomit and melena could be symptoms of underlying cancer. He advised the people to approach the doctor if they experienced such symptoms and not to self-medicate and be ignorant.
Earlier, as part of the clinical meet, Dr. Subramanian gave a power point presentation on the recent advances in stomach cancer, which he pointed informed was the fifth most common cancer and the second most cause of cancer death worldwide as per World Health Organization (WHO).
He also pointed out that the highest cancer incidence rate was observed in the north east region (6PBCRs for males and 4 PBCRs for females) than other areas in the country.
The leading types of cancer in the north east region include nasopharynx, hypopharynx, esophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, larynx, lung, breast, and cervix uteri. Further, Dr. Subramanian suggested creating awareness for early detection.
To mark November as Gastric Cancer Awareness month, Dr. Subramanian announced that he would be providing 50% discount to people above the age of 50 years throughout the month, which would include endoscopy as well as free consultations to people diagnosed with gastric cancer.
Later, during interactive session, doubts and queries were discussed and clarified.