World Cancer Day observed across Assam

Assam Cancer Care Foundation and Tata Trusts organise a number of awareness activities on the occasion

World Cancer Day was observed at various locations across Assam to raise awareness on cancer. The highlights of the day were ‘Pledge For Action’ campaign in 10 public locations in Guwahati, inter-college poster competition with National Service Scheme (NSS), interview of cancer survivors, and screening of common cancers in Barpeta, Kamrup (R), Jorhat, Nagaon and Dibrugarh.

In Assam, 32,000 cancer cases are detected every year, of which 70 per cent are found at an advanced stage, leading to a high mortality rate at 40-50 per cent. Common cancers like breast, uterine cervix and oral cavity are preventable and curable if detected and treated at an early stage. Assam Cancer Care Foundation (ACCF), a joint partnership between the Government of Assam and Tata Trusts was set up in December 2017 to create a first-of-its-kind, three-level cancer grid in the state, organised a number of awareness activities on the occasion in many parts of the state.

50 per cent of all cancers are caused due to consumption of tobacco in some form. Hence, ACCF is also working on prevention – tobacco control, early detection, treatment and palliative care.

Dr Nirmal Kumar Hazarika, Medical Advisor, ACCF said, “The theme for the year 2019 ‘I am and I will’ appeals all of us to extend our support to cancer patients by promising to be with them today and always. They and their families need to improve the quality of life free from the problems associated with cancer.”

To sensitise on palliative care, a panel discussion was held by experts and informative leaflets were distributed in State Cancer Institute at Guwahati and at ACCF Palliative Care Unit-AMC, Dibrugarh.

Dr Ashok Das, Cancer Surgeon from Dr B Barooah Cancer Institute, Guwahati said, “Tobacco is the major culprit for cancers in Assam with 48.2 per cent people in the state consuming tobacco in some or the other form. I am seeing younger and younger patients in our hospital. Prevention of tobacco use is the best way to reduce the incidence of cancer in the state.”