Cancer cases rising : CM
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 06 2014: The 36th annual conference of Association of Radiation Oncologists of India has started at City Convention Centre with Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh as the chief guest.

Speaking at the occasion, Chief Minister O Ibobi said that oncologists are gradually moving from an era of 'non-curable cancer disease' to the present era of declaring 'cancer is curable' .

He said that the incidence of cancer is increasing day by day all over the world likely because of modem lifestyle and environmental pollution.

Citing the prediction of WHO which said that cancer incidence would witness 50 percent increase by 2020, O Ibobi said dealing with the disease is one of the priority areas not only for the country but for the whole world as well.

AROICON-2014 the 36th Annual Conference of Assn of Regional Oncologists of India at City Convention Center Pix - DIPR

He underlined that North East India is a cancer prone region and certain types of cancer like stomach, lung and nasopharyngeal cancers are relatively very high.

The CM urged the experts from different parts of the country and abroad to impart knowledge to the oncologists of the NE region.

He expressed confidence that deliberations by scientists during the conference would benefit all.

Amongst others.

Dr Th Tomcha, HoD Radiology, RIMS and chairman of AROICON organising committee 2014; Dr VP Shahi, Sr VP (elect) AROI; Dr Rajesh Vasistha, gen secy, AROI; Dr Ramesh Bilimagga, president AROI; Prof HNK Sarma, VC, MU and Prof Ch Arunkumar, Director, RIMS attended the inaugural function.

During the three-day conference, Continuing Medical Education would be conducted.

Cultural dance and music of Manipur would also be showcased for the benefits of the delegates.

Around 700 delegates including 20 from abroad are participating in the conference.

Meanwhile, addressing media persons on the sideline of the function, AROI president Professor Ramesh Bilimaggo said, even as much advancement has been made with the introduction of mod-ern technologies in treating cancer to a great extent and checking its spread, lack of awareness regarding the disease still prevails among the people.

AROI is an association of cancer specialists practising Radiation Oncology in India.

It was established in 1977 and has a total of 2241 members, with 12 State/zonal chapters.

Professor Ramesh said that the main aim of the association is to promote the practice and advances made in radiation oncology, cancer chemotherapy and allied radiation sciences.

It has an educational wing called ICRO (Indian College of Radiation Oncology) and its members meet annually at different places in India.

Like every year, this function is hosted by North East Zonal Chapter and is being sponsored by RIMS, Imphal.