Oral Cancer Screening Orientation and Hands-on Training Programme at the Auditorium Hall, NHAK Kohima, on September 10.
With tobacco use rampant and head and neck cancers rising, Nagaland faces a critical window to act
Kohima, September 11 (MExN): Nagaland Commissioner and Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Department, Kevilenuo Angami, has expressed serious concern over the rising incidence of oral cancer in the state, warning that healthcare resources could face an overwhelming cancer burden in the coming 10–15 years unless preventive and promotive measures are undertaken on a war footing.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the Annual State Review Meeting of the National Oral Health Programme (NOHP) cum Oral Cancer Screening Orientation and Hands-on Training Programme at the Auditorium Hall, NHAK Kohima, on September 10, she emphasised that oral health is an integral part of general health, yet remains a relatively neglected aspect of the health spectrum in the state.
The two-day programme, held on September 10 and 11, was organised by Dr K & T Keditsu Foundation in collaboration with Dental Department, NHAK, and Department of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland, supported by TANUH–AI Centre of Excellence, Department of Electrical Communication Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Biocon Foundation, and the Foundation of Head & Neck Oncology, stated a press release received here.
Angami noted that despite the urgent need for comprehensive strategies for the prevention, control, and management of oral diseases such as dental caries, periodontal diseases, and oral cancer, significant gaps continue to exist in awareness, prevention, early detection and treatment.
Highlighting the risk factors contributing to oral cancer, she listed tobacco consumption, particularly smokeless tobacco, betel-quid chewing, excessive alcohol consumption, poor oral hygiene, and persistent viral infections, including Human Papillomavirus (HPV). She described the high prevalence of tobacco use as particularly alarming.
Citing the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS-2), she said a substantial proportion of adults use tobacco in one form or another. Equally concerning, she added, is the prevalence of tobacco use among young people. The Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS), 2019, reported a high proportion of tobacco use among children in the 13–15-year age group, she said.
Coupled with the prevailing burden of head and neck cancers and other malignancies, the state’s healthcare resources could face an increasingly overwhelming cancer burden in the coming 10–15 years unless preventive and promotive measures are undertaken on a war footing, she warned.
“It is therefore imperative that we adopt a comprehensive approach focusing not only on awareness and prevention but also on screening, early detection, accurate diagnosis, timely referral, and appropriate management,” she said.
Stressing that early and accurate diagnosis is an essential component of dental healthcare alongside an extensive awareness campaign, she said all dental surgeons posted at various health facilities should have a thorough understanding and adequate knowledge of the different diagnostic and biopsy procedures.
Expressing gratitude to the Dr K & T Keditsu Foundation, particularly to Dr Keduovinuo and team, for their determined efforts and commendable initiative in making the programme a reality, she said their commitment in arranging the necessary resources and support to enhance and update the knowledge and skills of dental surgeons in performing various biopsy procedures at their respective health units is truly praiseworthy.
“Such initiatives demonstrate the importance of collaboration between the healthcare system and committed partners in strengthening the capacity of our healthcare professionals and ultimately improving patient care,” she said.
In conclusion, the Commissioner and Secretary urged all dental surgeons across the state to sharpen and equip themselves with the necessary skills and knowledge, particularly in the important area of oral diagnosis and biopsy procedures, and to make the best use of the opportunity by actively participating in the hands-on training, sharing experiences, learning from one another, and carrying the knowledge and skills acquired back to their respective health units.
“Strengthening our diagnostic capabilities will go a long way in ensuring early detection, timely intervention, appropriate referral, and better patient outcomes,” she said, encouraging everyone to collectively strive to strengthen dental healthcare services and address the serious concern with greater commitment, professional preparedness, and a renewed sense of responsibility.
The inaugural programme was chaired by Dr Neingutunuo Angami, Sr. Dental Surgeon, NHAK. The invocation was graced by Dr Reyosalu Lase, Addl Director (Dental), while the welcome address was delivered by Dr Ruutuou Sorhie, Managing Director, NHAK. Felicitation was offered by Dr N Moangangba Jamir, Jt Director (Dental) & SNO (NOHP).
Special remarks were given by Dr Keveduyi Theyo, Principal Director; Dr I Arenla Walling, Director (Dental); and Dr Toshevi Keditsu Sema, Managing Trustee, Dr K & T Keditsu Foundation. The session ended with a vote of thanks by Dr I Simon Sumi, Dy Director (Dental) & SNO (NTCP).
