North-Eastern States Of India Faces Escalating Cancer Crisis, Experts Call For Unified Action

Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, emphasised the increasing cancer burden in India, particularly in the North-Eastern region, during the FICCI Roundtable for the North-Eastern region. Held under the aegis of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, the roundtable focused on the "Roadmap for Making Cancer Care Affordable and Accessible in India."

“Our vision is a cancer-free future generation, where everyone has access to accurate tests and affordable cancer treatment,” stated Dr. Lyngdoh, underscoring the region's need for enhanced cancer care. She highlighted that the Chief Minister of Meghalaya has prioritised access to cancer treatments and emphasised the importance of cancer surveillance in saving lives through advanced technology.

Sampath Kumar, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt of Meghalaya, called for a mission-driven approach to tackle the state’s high cancer rates, attributing them to a lack of awareness and certain cultural practices. “The Government of Meghalaya launched the Cancer Mission, a screening-based program focused on early detection and prevention, already screening individuals over 30 years of age in Khasi District,” said Kumar. He also discussed the role of AYUSH techniques in reducing stress and preventing relapses.

The FICCI Cancer Task Force, established in 2022, has played a critical role in developing strategic cancer care solutions. Raj Gore, Chair of the FICCI Task Force on Cancer Care and CEO of Healthcare Global Enterprises  (HCG), pointed to the region's high cancer incidence rates, driven by tobacco use, limited healthcare infrastructure, and late diagnoses. “Tobacco usage accounts for 57 per cent of all cancers in men and 28 per cent in women. Comprehensive prevention strategies and early detection initiatives are essential to combating this crisis,” Gore explained.

The Roundtable in Shillong brought together key stakeholders, including Dr. Joram Beda, Commissioner & Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Govt of Meghalaya, who announced the development of a state cancer policy focusing on treatment protocols, palliative care, and psychological support for patients.

FICCI, in collaboration with EY, has published a report titled “Call for Action: Making Quality Cancer Care More Accessible and Affordable in India,” which aims to drive significant policy changes. The event was also supported by AstraZeneca, HCG Hospitals, Varian, and the Indian Medical Parliamentarians’ Forum (IMPF).

Regional cancer rates in the North-East have surged, with states like Manipur, Sikkim, and Tripura reporting alarming increases. In 2022, Manipur recorded a 6.48 per cent rise in cancer cases, significantly above the national average of 2.45 per cent. Other North-Eastern states, including Meghalaya, Assam, and Mizoram, are witnessing similar increases, calling for immediate and collective action to address the region's growing cancer burden.