Assam: Cachar Cancer Research Centre inaugurates cancer care unit at Haflong Civil Hospital

Chief Executive Member of the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council, Debolal Gorlosa, on Friday, February 20, inaugurated a unit of the Cachar Cancer Research Centre at Haflong Civil Hospital in Assam’s Dima Hasao district.

 

Speaking at the inaugural programme, Gorlosa stressed the need for greater public awareness to prevent cancer and urged people not to neglect their daily lifestyle. He appealed to residents to avoid addictive substances such as alcohol, tobacco, gutkha and cigarettes, and to adopt healthy habits including regular exercise and yoga to reduce the risk of cancer and other diseases.

 

He said the establishment of the cancer care unit at Haflong Civil Hospital would benefit residents of the hill district who earlier had to travel long distances for treatment. The centre will provide free medical services, including chemotherapy and cancer screening, in its initial phase.

 

Dr Iqbal Bahar of the Cachar Cancer Research Centre said the facility was set up with the support of the Chief Executive Member and Padma Shri awardee Ravi Kannan.

 

He noted that cancer patients from the hill district often face difficulties in accessing treatment due to distance. With the new unit in Haflong, primary treatment and early detection services will now be available locally. He added that early detection of cancer offers nearly a 90 per cent chance of recovery, while diagnosis at advanced stages significantly reduces survival prospects.

 

Dr Bahar further stated that a majority of cancer cases reported from Dima Hasao and referred to Silchar involve oral and throat cancers, largely linked to tobacco use. He advised people to seek immediate medical consultation if any unusual sores or symptoms are noticed in the mouth or body.