SHILLONG, Feb 13: Amidst an ongoing battle with the unbowed cancer in the world, its treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach, believes Dr Caleb Harris, Head of Department, Surgical Oncology, NEIGRIHMS. “Cancer care approach involves different specialists, including radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists, and medical oncologists,” he said.
Radiation oncologists specialise in MD radiotherapy, while surgical oncology and medical oncology are considered super specialties.
Consequently, the Northeast has historically relied heavily on radiation oncologists for cancer care. However, the field of surgical oncology is gradually evolving, though medical oncologists are still catching up. This lag hinders the provision of multidisciplinary care to many patients, Harris added.
“For instance, at NEIGRHIMS, there is a robust setup for surgical oncology with two professionals alongside two radiation oncologists. However, the absence of medical oncologists means radiation oncologists assume additional responsibilities,” he said.
Therefore, there is a pressing need to cultivate these fields in the Northeast to expand healthcare offerings. Establishing surgical oncology departments in state and civil hospitals is imperative to enhance treatment options and ensure comprehensive care delivery.
He also highlighted key aspects of other cancer survival rates, adding, “Survival rates for breast cancer are promising, with around 60-70 per cent five-year survival rates. Even in the early stages, patients have a 20-25 per cent survival rate, including those who seek treatment late.”
However, the esophageal cancer is a cause of concern because the chances of survival for people who are even detected early are low.
He emphasised on the need for early detection and preventive measures, as the population here is high risk in terms of consumption of carcinogens. He underscored the significance of early detection and screening, particularly among high-risk populations.
Dr Harris highlighted the importance of developing surgical oncology departments in state government hospitals and civil hospitals to expand treatment options. He explained that curative treatments for solid tumors, such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, are essential for treating most patients effectively.
To address the shortage of surgical oncologists in the region, Dr Harris expressed hope for the spillover effect of trained professionals from other parts of the country. He also advocated for the establishment of Master of Chirurgical courses in institutions to train more surgical oncologists.
