Assam has a higher cancer incidence rate (114 per lakh) than the national average (97 per lakh) (ICMR Report 2021).
70% of cases are diagnosed at Stages II or III, leading to high mortality rates.
Programme Components:
Early detection: Door-to-door screening for oral, cervical, and breast cancer.
Community engagement: Awareness meetings, school sensitization, and focused group discussions.
Healthcare worker training: Capacity-building of frontline health workers.
Referral system: Patients directed to health and wellness centers for further screening and treatment.
Other Cancer Awareness Initiatives in Assam
Apollo Excelcare Hospital & IMA: Organized the ‘Unify to Notify’ campaign on World Cancer Day, urging the classification of cancer as a notifiable disease for better monitoring and resource allocation.
NECHRI (North East Cancer Hospital & Research Institute): Conducted an awareness rally and emphasized the need for early detection.
ARHI Hospital & Medical Associations: Highlighted tobacco consumption as a major cause of cancer in Northeast India.
Significance of the Initiative
Addresses the rising cancer burden in Assam through early screening and intervention.
Enhances community participation and awareness in cancer prevention.
Supports national health priorities by reducing cancer mortality and improving healthcare access.
