As Meghalaya continues to face a rising burden of cancer cases across the state, the State Cancer Society of Meghalaya has strengthened its efforts to promote cancer awareness, prevention and early detection. As part of the initiatives, an awareness programme was organised on 06.06.26 in West Jaintia Hills District at Iawmusiang Seinraj Parking lot, Jowai, with Health and Family Welfare Minister Shri. Wailiadmiki Shylla attended as chief guest to enhance public understanding and encourage timely diagnosis amid the growing concern over cancer cases in the state.
Dr. F Shadap, Laskein Block Development Officer, Dr. P. Shylla, District Medical and Health Officer, Jowai, Dr. Anisha Mawlong, Senior Specialist, Member Secretary, State Cancer Society of Meghalaya, Dr. J C A Lamin, Oncologist, Shillong Medical College Civil Hospital, Doctors and supporting staff of State Cancer Society, Rangbah Shnong Shri. Ajoy K Lywait were among others present.
Speaking at the programme, Health Minister Shri. Wailadmiki Shylla said that various departments have been working together collectively to promote healthy lifestyle and spread awareness on cancer prevention among families and communities across the state. He thanked all stakeholders for their support and cooperation with the Meghalaya State Cancer Society in addressing the growing concern burden in the state.
Expressing concern over the increasing cases in the state, he stressed the need to take awareness programmes directly to villages, markets and communities, so that people receive accurate information on cancer prevention, early detection and treatment.
He informed that the government has strengthened healthcare facilities including sub-centres, CHCs, PHCs, and government hospitals, while also providing free cancer screening and testing services for early diagnosis. He stated that the government has taken the issue of cancer very seriously and has expanded cancer awareness and screening programmes across the state to ensure people can access testing facilities near their localities.
The Minster said that testing and screening facilities have been made available at various health centres, PHCs, CHCs, and government hospitals, and urged the public to visit these facilities to know their cancer status through early screening, He emphasised that early detection is extremely important as identifying cancer at an early stage greatly improves the chances of successful treatment and recovery.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of the HPV vaccine in preventing cancer, stating that the government has provided the vaccine free of cost for girls aged between 12 and 14. He appealed to parents and eligible girls not to fear the vaccine, stating that it has already been tested and administered across the country, and encouraged them to receive it from nearby health centres and government hospitals.
He further assured that cancer treatment is covered under MHIS scheme, which provides financial assistance up to Rs.5 lakhs. He added that under Chief Minister’s CM Care scheme, additional financial assistance of Rs.2 Lakhs is also available and urged the people to contact the MHIS office for further assistance and guidance.
The Minister appealed to the public to work together with the department in promoting health awareness, stressing that good health is not only the responsibility of the government or the department, but also of every individual. He urged the public not to wait for the department to force or remind them, but to take personal responsibility for their own health.
During the awareness programme Dr. JCA Lamin, Oncologist Shillong Medical College Civil Hospital highlighted that the state continues to witness highest numbers of cancer cases in the country. He said that oesophageal (food pipe) cancer being one of the common cases in the state, followed by mouth cancer, with tobacco use (smoke and smokeless), betel nut chewing, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, lack of exercises, pollution and HPV infection identified as major contributing factors.
He stated that nearly 70-80 percent of cancer cases are linked to preventable causes and emphasised that early detection greatly improves the chances of successful treatment. He also highlighted warning signs such as unexplained weight loss, non-healing sores, persistent cough, difficulty swallowing and unusual lumps.
Dr. Lamin further stressed the importance of cancer awareness programmes, regular screening, healthy lifestyle habits and HPV vaccination in reducing cancer risk. He urged the public, especially the young generations, to avoid tobacco and alcohol and seek medical care early, stressing that people should not ignore symptoms and should go for regular health checkups, as cancer is treatable if detected at an early stage and can save lives.
He also explained the different stages of cancer and said many cancers can be successfully treated if detected early. He informed that the cancer treatment is covered under MHIS which provides financial assistance to eligible patients.
A cancer survivor Shri. Embok Laloo, shared his testimony narrating his journey of diagnosis, treatment and recovery. He said early detection, timely medical care and support from doctors and family played a vital role in his survival.
A short skit on cancer awareness was also performed by “Chiiung” during the programme to educate the public on the importance of prevention and early detection.
Earlier, the welcomed address was delivered by District Medical and Health Officer Dr. (Smt) P.Shylla, while proposing the vote of thanks Dr. Anisha Mawlong, Senior Specialist, Member Secretary of State Cancer Society or Meghalaya informed June is observed as Cancer Survival Month.
Free Cancer screening was also conducted during the programme to promote early detection and encourage people to undergo regular health checkups.
