The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Sep 22: Seventy-eighty percent of cancers are preventable and avoidance of tobacco is most important in cancer prevention.

Making a presentation on `cancer prevention, early detection and treatment` on the occasion of National Rose Day at Hotel Imphal today, Dr Th Tomcha, head of department Radiotherapy and Regional Cancer Centre, RIMS, went on to say that 30-50% of cancers can be prevented by avoiding tobacco.

Dr Tomcha said that the incidence of lung cancer is very high among the male population of Manipur. Observing that 96% of lung cancer, 75% of laryngeal cancer and 66% of oral cancer are related to smoking, the doctor said that apart from causing harm to themselves, smokers inflicts passive smoking to others.



The doctor said that 30-50% of cancers are curable if detected at early stages. However, he said that the percentage of late detection is as high as 70-80% in India. Saying that early detection is the second best in cancer treatment, Dr Tomcha stressed the importance of cancer prevention.

Observing that according to predictions cancer incidence will continue to rise in the coming future, Dr Tomcha said that majority of the cancers are preventable with changes in lifestyles. He said that obesity and lack of exercise are fast becoming major causes of cancers.

The first observation of the National Rose Day was attended by Education Minister L Jayentakumar as chief guest and MLA Dr Kh Ratankumar as president. The observation was organised by Manipur Cancer Society (MCS). Jayentakumar, who is also the president of MCS, announced the helpline number for cancer – 2444313.

As conveyed by the secretary of MCS Birendra Kangjam, MCS is a voluntary support group and non profit social organisation for cancer patient and family, primarily engaged in increasing participation in the fight against cancer. He said ,"One of the main aims of MCS is to impress upon the people, patients and their relatives that cancer does not necessarily means death and that it is possible to overcome the disease and lead a full and normal life."

Roses were given to the cancer survivors as part of the observation. The rose is used as a symbol of hope to fight against cancer. Earlier, MCS visited the cancer patients at RIMS` Radiotherapy.

At RIMS Radiotherapy, eatables and one unit blood each were distributed to around 30 cancer patients from Manipur and outside who are undergoing treatment there by the director, superintendent and staffs of RIMS.



 

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