Shillong: Meghalaya has consistently been registering high cancer cases in the country, prompting health officials and cancer specialists to call for early screening, lifestyle changes and HPV vaccination among vulnerable groups.Health and family welfare minister Wailadmiki Shylla urged people to take advantage of free screening facilities available across the state’s healthcare network.The minister was addressing a cancer awareness and screening programme after a walkathon, organised by the State Cancer Society of Meghalaya under the theme “From Hills to Hope – Walking for a Cancer-Free Meghalaya”, to promote cancer awareness and encourage community participation, particularly among the youth, at Jowai, the headquarters of West Jaintia Hills district on Saturday.Shylla said the govt has expanded cancer awareness and screening programmes throughout Meghalaya in response to the growing number of cases. Screening and testing services are now available at sub-centres, primary health centres, community health centres and govt hospitals.“Early detection is extremely important. Identifying cancer at an early stage significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and recovery,” he said.The minister also highlighted the state’s free HPV vaccination programme for girls aged 12 to 14, describing it as a crucial tool in preventing certain cancers. He urged parents and eligible beneficiaries to avail themselves of the vaccine.The health minister assured cancer patients that treatment expenses are covered under the Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS), which provides financial assistance of up to Rs 5 lakh. An additional Rs 2 lakh is available through the chief minister’s CM Care Scheme, he said.Oncologist Dr JCA Lamin of Shillong Medical College and Civil Hospital said Meghalaya continues to witness among the highest cancer incidences in India, with oesophageal cancer being the most common in the state, followed by oral cancer.Tobacco use, both smoked and smokeless, betel nut chewing, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, lack of exercise, pollution and HPV infection were the major risk factors.Highlighting that nearly 70 to 80 per cent of cancer cases are linked to preventable causes, he urged people to watch for warning signs such as unexplained weight loss, persistent cough, non-healing sores, difficulty swallowing, and unusual lumps, and to seek medical attention promptly.
