GUWAHATI: A staggering 20% increase in cancer cases across Northeast India over the past five years has raised alarms among healthcare professionals. The region faces a unique challenge with tobacco use beginning as early as 11-14 years of age as compared to the national average of 18-25 years.

“Early detection saves lives, but sadly only 12-18% of cancer patients in the northeast are diagnosed at curable stages,” says Dr. A.V.S. Suresh and MedUnited Hospitals. “Our screening awareness programs aim to change this reality.”

Cancer rates are particularly concerning, with 1 in 4 residents affected over a lifetime. Men commonly develop esophageal and lung cancers, while women face breast and cervical cancers. Tobacco-related cancers account for 50% of male and 20% of female cases.

Songbhijit, heading community outreach initiatives, emphasizes, “Traditional diets high in smoked foods, combined with tobacco and betel nut consumption, create a perfect storm for cancer development.”

The healthcare infrastructure struggles, and patients are forced to seek treatment outside the northeast region, with the highest being 95.3% from Sikkim and the lowest 58.1% from Nagaland, as per the National Cancer Institute-Jhajjar report.

“We’re attempting to start comprehensive screening across the Northeast,” states Mahesh Agarwal, philanthropist, and Dr. Ashwin from MedUnited hospitals. “Early detection through regular screening is our best defense against this growing epidemic.”