Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Kohima, observed World Cancer Day on February 4.
Kohima, February 4 (MExN): The Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (NIMSR), Kohima, observed World Cancer Day on February 4, with the vision to raise awareness and foster a deeper understanding of cancer.
Dr Vinotsole Khamo, Medical Superintendent of NIMSR, provided insights into the cancer scenario in Nagaland and globally, citing data from the National Cancer Registry Program of India (NCRP), stated a press release received here.
She highlighted that currently Nagaland ranks 11th in all cancer sites in India for males. Nagaland is the leading state for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma incidents in the country for both males and females.
On the global scale, Zhongshan, China ranks number one with an AAR of 25 followed by Nagaland ranking second with an AAR of 14.4 in males and 6.5 in females and Brunei Darusalam with an AAR of 13.3. Among the males, Nasopharyngeal carcinoma, Stomach, Oesophagus and Hypopharynx cancer are the highest while Cervix, Breast and Stomach are highest in females.
Dr Khamo emphasised the critical importance of early detection and early intervention in improving cancer outcomes. She noted that these measures significantly enhance treatment success rates and reduce the economic burden on patients. She also discussed the need for health insurance and other support mechanisms to make cancer treatment more accessible and affordable for patients.
In her speech, Prof Dr Soumya Chakraborty, Director cum Dean of NIMSR shed light on the importance of empathy in healthcare, particularly in the context of cancer treatment. She discussed how empathy, as a key quality among health professionals, is essential for providing holistic and compassionate care to cancer patients enduring immense physical and emotional challenges.
Dr Tsusennaro, Senior Resident in the Department of Community Medicine addressed the preventable nature of many cancers. She explained that the majority of cancers could be avoided with proper lifestyle modifications such as healthy diet, regular exercises, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, preventive vaccinations, good sleep hygiene, timely screening and managing stress. She concluded by stressing that increasing awareness about cancer and the promotion of healthy lifestyles could prevent a significant number of cases.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr L Longna, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry. In his closing remarks, Dr Longna expressed gratitude to all the speakers, attendees and organizers who contributed to making the event a success. He also offered words of encouragement to the students, urging them to remain committed to their roles as compassionate and empathetic healthcare professionals.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Dr Moanaro Longchar, Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology. Dr Moanaro Longchar started the event by emphasizing the WHO’s 2025 World Cancer Day theme, ‘United by Unique.’ She stressed that health professionals must adopt a people-centric approach to supporting cancer patients, acknowledging the unique needs and challenges they face.
