SHILLONG, May 31: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday launched the Meghalaya Cancer Care or ‘Meg Can Care’ project for screening and early detection of cancer.
Speaking during its launch on the U Soso Tham Auditorium premises, he said Meghalaya, specifically East Khasi Hills, is ranked at number two in the country in incidence of cancer cases.
“When it comes to esophagus cancer, we are at number one. This is how serious the problem is. The government, the society and all of us have a very important responsibility to ensure that the cancer cases in the state come down, lives are saved and lifespan of the citizens is increased,” he said.
“Health starts right from the time of conception and it largely depends on the lifestyle,” he added.
He said the state’s annual health budget doubled over the last few years.
Expressing confidence that Meg Can Care programme would make a difference, the CM said a large part of health comes from lifestyle and early detection, not only in cancer but all other diseases.
Advising citizens, especially those from East Khasi Hills, to take the matter seriously, he said 80 per cent of cancer cases are curable if detected early. It is absolutely necessary that screening and detection take place, he stressed.
Sangma also said that screening under the Meg Can Care is technically-advanced with a capable team handling the project. He urged people to make use of the early detection and screening programme.
Principal Secretary of Health, Sampath Kumar revealed only 16% of cancer patients were aware that there is a screening process for cancer. “A lot of people are not aware that cancer can be screened early and if detected early, 80 per cent of the cases can be cured,” he said, adding over 10 per cent deaths occurring in the state due to non-communicable diseases are due to cancer.
Earlier, Sangma launched the cancer helpline number 14410 and also flagged off the Cancer Ambassador cyclists.
