Guwahati: Assam has completed screening nearly 47 lakh people as part of its ambitious programme to screen 1.24 crore residents for cancer, minister Ashok Singhal informed the Assembly on Tuesday.During the discussion on cancer cases in the state, AGP MLA Prakash Chandra Das expressed concern over the alleged widespread use of chemicals and pesticides, resulting in a possible increase in cancer cases.Stressing the importance of early diagnosis, he said the identification of more cancer cases should be seen as a positive outcome, as patients diagnosed in stages I and II have a much higher chance of survival. The minister said Assam’s cancer survival rate has reached 62%, surpassing the national average of just over 40%. He also announced that the state is poised to become the first in eastern India to introduce a proton therapy machine for advanced cancer treatment in the coming days, with the tendering process in progress.“During the recent screening, we have detected 981 cancer patients, many in an early stage. Detecting cancer patients in stage I and II of cancer is crucial to save their lives. Early detection increases their chance of survival,” Singhal said.Speaking on proton therapy, one of the most advanced forms of cancer treatment, Singhal said Assam is taking the lead in bringing the technology to the region.“In eastern India, no govt has been able to bring proton therapy machines. But the Assam govt has floated a tender to provide proton therapy in Guwahati. Within a few weeks, we are hopeful of finalising the proton therapy machine,” Singhal said.Singhal said affordable treatment is being provided through the 12 cancer care hospitals operating under the Assam Cancer Care Foundation. However, he emphasised that large-scale screening remains the key to reducing cancer mortality.“Cancer patients are there in society and that’s why they have been detected. We are working on the ground. When we target screening such a huge number of people, detection will definitely increase. But this is a positive development and shows the success of the govt,” he said.
