Maiden Cancer Conclave ends on a high note
SHILLONG, Feb 13: Hope was palpable in a crowd of people who represented themselves as stakeholders on the finale of the maiden Cancer Conclave in the city on Tuesday, and left with grit at the end of the day to trounce cancer in this ferocious battle.
The two-day event concluded with aspirations that the discussions and solutions would reach the grassroots in the state.
Organised by the Meghalaya government in collaboration with Apollo Telemedicine, the conclave brought together community and religious leaders, village health councils, doctors, and media to discern the key to reducing the number of cancer patients in the state and to level up the curative care by bringing specialists to the state.
Anisha Mawlong, Head of Department of Radiation Oncology at Civil Hospital, Shillong, said on the sidelines of the conclave, that prior to this event, she took the wrong approach in seeking patients to come for screening. However, after the conclave, she has a different perspective. She stated, “I went all around going for screening. But every time I went, I hardly got 20 to 30 patients, and my problem was not solved. So, if in the health facility, let’s say Rynjah, I did not approach the locality but I approached my dispensary there. So the response was not good. But now, with them coming, the community, the Rangbah Shnongs and all, they are at least committing to support us.”
The second day of the conclave featured discussions on topics such as ‘Empowering the Community: The Need for Cancer Awareness in Meghalaya,’ ‘Tobacco and Cancer in Meghalaya and What Can Be Done About It,’ besides the role of private hospitals in cancer care, health insurance for cancer care, and the role of media in cancer care for the community and by the community.
The aim of the conclave was to bring together all stakeholders under one platform to discuss the stumbling blocks and solutions to the crucial issue of cancer in the state. Mawlong emphasised the need to aggressively tackle cancer, stating, “It is tobacco, it is our food habits, but it is sad as doctors to see so many of our patients losing their lives to cancer. It is time the people of our state should take their health seriously.”
One session discussed how the best way to tackle the deadly disease would be through a public-private partnership. The role of media was highlighted in the last panel discussion, with Patricia Mukhim, Editor of The Shillong Times, pointing out that in today’s world, it is not only traditional media that can be used for spreading awareness, but anyone with a social media handle can also contribute positively.
Regarding the discussion on the high rates of esophageal cancer in East Khasi Hills due to the high usage of tobacco and ‘kwai’ (areca nut), Mukhim suggested that since areca nut is grown extensively as a commercial crop, the government should help farmers with an alternative crop.
Similarly, David Laitphlang, president of the Shillong Press Club, suggested that the team at Apollo should consider sharing heartwarming success stories of survivors, as it will inspire others to fight as well.