State third in NE on breast cancer chart
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, October 30 2023:
A one day breast cancer awareness programme cum screening camp was held under the theme 'No one should face breast cancer alone' as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month at Khwairamband Keithel, here, on Monday.
Around 200 women were provided free screening for breast cancer at the camp.
State NCD Division, National Health Mission Manipur and district NCD Cell, District Health Mission Society, Imphal West jointly organised the programme in association with Karkinos Healthcare Manipur, Khwairamband Nupi Keithel Sinpham Amadi Shaktam Kanba Ldp, and Khwairamband Nupi Keithel Semgat Sagatpa Lup.
Imphal West DC, Thokchom Kirankumar, who attended the programme as chief guest, highlighted the importance of early detection of breast cancer and encouraged the public to regularly conduct screening so that it could be treated in time.
In developed countries, people generally undergo testing before consulting doctors, he said, while calling for adopting similar approach for early treatment.
As breast cancer, if detected early, can be cured there is the need to create awareness among the public.
Unfortunately, such initiatives taken up by the government receive lukewarm response, which could be a result of lacking awareness activities, he noted while emphasising that government machineries disseminate information to the public so as to draw more participants in such camps.
According to Karkinos Healthcare Manipur director and CEO Dr Prof GS Moirangthem, prevalence of breast cancer is high in the state as it is has third highest cases of breast cancer among the northeastern states after Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram.
In all India average, Manipur has moderate prevalence rate.
Experts are projecting prevalence rate of 1 out of every 8 women by 2030, which is quite disturbing, he said and urged the public to follow routine checkup for early treatment.
Late marriage, drugs and alcohol abuse, lack of physical exercise are among the major causes of breast cancer.
One can also personally examine any tumour-like condition in their breasts at home and consult doctor after detecting such conditions.
Women of any age groups can experience this condition, he said.
Karkinos is providing cancer treatment with modern equipment and the service quality is not inferior to those of Tata Hospital of Mumbai.
The hospital is taking up initiatives to provide affordable treatment to the public, he said.
Imphal West CMO Dr L Joykumar presided over the inaugural function of the camp while health services additional director (planning) Dr N Hemantakumar, joint director (planning) and NPNCD state nodal officer Dr Y Premchandra and Khwairamband Nupi Keithel Sinpham Amadi Shaktam Kanba Lup president Ksh Shanti attended as guests of honour.
Karkinos Healthcare onco-surgeon Dr S Opendro and JNIMS oncology department's senior resident Dr Ambika also spoke as resource persons during the camp.