SHILLONG, Feb 4: Aimed at resonating, inspiring change and mobilising action against cancer, World Cancer Day was observed at Shillong Civil Hospital on the theme ‘I am and I will’ here on Thursday.
The programme was organised by the State NCD Cell, District NCD Cell and the Department of Oncology, Civil Hospital.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr SS Nongbri, Joint Director of Health Services (MCH and FW)-cum-State Nodal Officer NPCDCS, while stressing on the importance of early diagnosis, asserted that cancer is 90 per cent curable.
Urging the public to not be misguided by hearsay and instead come forward for early detection, he informed that cancer treatment in Civil Hospital is completely free.
He informed that the Cancer Foundation of India will soon set up cancer screening centres in the state for the benefit of the people. According to the PBCR data 2014, East Khasi Hills district ranks 3rd in males and 11th in females in the country in terms of incidence of cancer, while it tops nationwide for tobacco-related cancers besides esophagus and many head and neck cancers.
As part of the programme, testimonies were also shared by patients who had successfully undergone treatment at Civil Hospital. Gifts were also presented to the patients currently receiving treatment.