SHILLONG: East Khasi Hills tops the chart when it comes to incidence of cancer of hypopharynx in the State.
Giving a presentation on the status of cancer in Meghalaya, specialist in the department of Radiation Oncology, Judita Syiemlieh expressed concern over the lack of qualified manpower in the State to deal with the disease.
Drawing figures from the Civil Hospital, Shilong she said, “Head and neck, oesophagus and stomach cancer rank first, second and third respectively in males while cervix and breast cancer are among the more prevalent ones in females.”
Citing few initiatives to curb cancer in the state, she pointed out that in 2002 the District Cancer Control Programme (DCCP) was implemented, while earlier in 2005, the oncology wing was developed at the Civil Hospital.”
Syiemlieh also drew attention to the number of initiatives ranging from posters, pamphlets and awareness programmes being organised to tackle the disease.
She said that a proposal for a cobalt machine will be made for effective treatment of the patients.
