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Rise in cancer cases sets alarm bells ringing in Meghalaya

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State Cancer Society holds meet with Mumbai’s
Tata Memorial Hospital for collaborations

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, Jan 16: Alarmed by the rising incidence of cancer cases in Meghalaya, the state government is taking proactive measures to upgrade its healthcare infrastructure and expand capacity for cancer treatment.
On Thursday, the State Cancer Society held a crucial meeting with the Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, to discuss potential collaborations aimed at improving cancer care in the state. One of the key topics of discussion was the procurement of a medical linear accelerator (LINAC) from the Tata Memorial Hospital.
A LINAC is an advanced piece of equipment that delivers high-energy X-rays or electrons, precisely targeting tumors while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.
After the meeting, Principal Secretary of Health Department Sampath Kumar told reporters that there is now a growing awareness among people in Meghalaya about cancer. “Many individuals are now coming forward for diagnosis and treatment,” he said.
Kumar expressed concern that the 70-bed Cancer Hospital at the Shillong Civil Hospital is operating beyond capacity. He stressed that the number of beds should be increased so the hospital can accommodate more patients.
“We are holding discussions with the minister on the matter,” Kumar said.
Noting the high prevalence of cervical and breast cancer in the state, the government has prioritised procuring advanced screening equipment to facilitate early detection.
Additionally, the Tata Memorial Hospital has agreed to train radio-oncologists from Meghalaya. According to the proposal, specialist doctors from the state will undergo six-month to one-year internships or fellowships at the Tata Memorial Hospital.
The collaboration will also explore the introduction of teleconsultation services, enabling patients in remote areas to access expert medical advice.
Kumar added that all districts in the state are now equipped with endoscopy units and efforts are under way to train doctors in identifying patients at high risk of developing cancer. These initiatives signal a significant step forward in addressing the cancer crisis in Meghalaya, with a focus on infrastructure, training, and early diagnosis.
On the other hand, NEIGRIHMS Director Prof Nalin Mehta said the institute is cooperating with the state in the fight against the disease.
Stating that the institute is treating a huge number of cancer cases, including referral cases coming in from the state, Mehta termed the situation as alarming. He admitted that the number of cancer cases is on the rise in Meghalaya and more cases are being diagnosed now.

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