Imphal, September 22 2010: Governor Gurbachan Jagat has expressed serious concern when he was informed that the number of cancer patients in Manipur is the highest in the North Eastern region of the country.

The Governor expressed his sadness over the present scenario of cancer patients in the state while attending the observance of National Rose Day at the Mini Auditorium of RIMS today under the aegis of the Manipur Cancer Society.

He also presented gifts to the cancer patients at the Radiotherapy Department of RIMS.

According to RIMS annual report 2009-10, the total number of cancer patients admitted to Patient Care Services of the Radiotherapy Department was 1225 and bed occupation rate was 75.3 %.

A total of 88 minor operations and 1147 external radiotherapy were performed during the past year.

"These figures indicate that the problem of cancer in Manipur is serious one," said the Governor asserting that he was informed that the number of cancer patients in the state is the highest among the states in the Northeastern region of India.

Most of the patients underwent further treatment at TATA Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, as recommended by the State Medical Board.

"To me, the present scenario does not appear to be encouraging; the opposite of the same should be the target," the chief guest of the Rose Day function said.

Asserting that the cancer disease has close connection with lifestyle, behaviour and food habits such as High number of cancer patients saddens Governor, consumption of tobacco, etc., the Governor called on the people, particularly the youth to stay away from an undesirable lifestyle and habits.

"I also appeal to them to get medical check-ups at least once a year so that any incident of cancer can be prevented or cured if detected early," he said.

Education Minister L Jayentakumar, who presided over the function, encouraged the cancer patients not to think that their end has come when they found themselves suffering from the disease.

They should not remain waiting for the last minute but should extend support to the efforts to control the disease.

RIMS Director Dr S Sekharjit, speaking on the occasion, stressed that to control this killer cancer disease, support of NGOs and civil societies is a must.

RIMS has latest equipments for treating the disease and qualified doctors in the field but the Institute has no adequate infrastructure of being Regional Cancer Centre, the Director said.

RIMS Superintendent, Dr Y Mohen observed that cancer affected six persons for every one lakh heads in the state, and most of the patients were found infected by lungs cancer.

Sophisticated equipment for treating cancer had already arrived at the institute but the same could not be installed due to delay in the construction of the building.

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