HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Feb 4: Indus Towers, a telecom infrastructure provider, on Tuesday announced the commencement of Cancer Care Programme in Assam in collaboration with Government of Assam and Assam Cancer Care Foundation (ACCF).
The programme is launched under Pragati, Indus Towers’ flagship CSR programme, with an objective to significantly contribute to the fight against cancer and improve the quality of life for the residents. The programme will be undertaken in Jorhat, Bongaigaon, Lakhimpur, Charaideo, Dhemaji, Hailakandi, Udalguri, Sibasagar and Baksa of Assam.
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According to the report by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) published in 2021, the national rate of cancer patients is 97 per lakh population, while it is 114 per lakh population in Assam. In the recent past, Assam has witnessed a significant rise in cancer cases, necessitating urgent and sustained intervention. 70% cases report at stages II or III, with high mortality rate. The new programme is designed to tackle this issue head-on by implementing a holistic approach to cancer care, focusing on early detection, community engagement, and continuous support for patients.
The programme involves outreach, community screening, training of frontline health workers, awareness and behavior change campaigns, patient navigators and continuum of care. As a part of the programme, door-to-door screening will be organised along with referral to health and wellness centers and physical screening for oral cancer by dentist. The programme will also facilitate physical screening for cervical and breast cancer by nurses and awareness meetings and focused group discussions including school sensitisation.
Rajender Gurung, Circle CEO, NESA, Indus Towers, said, “This initiative is a testament to our dedication to improve the healthcare infrastructure and services in Assam. The need of the hour is to ensure early detection and timely treatment. Our endeavour is to ensure that we reach out to every individual, regardless of their location, enabling access to the best possible cancer care. We believe, that through comprehensive community outreach, training programs for local healthcare professionals, and robust support services, we can create a long-lasting impact on our people.”
Dr (Maj Gen) JP Prasad, COO ACCF said, “ACCF is transforming the cancer landscape of Assam, from preventive to palliative as a continuum of care approach. Thankful to Indus Towers for supporting ACCF Community Outreach Program for 9 districts. With this ACCF is set to reach 1 Crore target population by March 2027, which is launched by Hon’ble chief minister of Assam. This will empower our community in reducing cancer burden in Assam.”
Our Tezpur Correspondent adds: On the occasion of World Cancer Day, Tezpur Cancer Centre on Tuesday conducted various programs.
As part of the programme, in the morning, a cycle rally was flagged off at 7:30 am from the district commissioner’s office by the additional superintendent of police, Sonitpur. The rally was conducted in collaboration with the Tezpur Sports Association and 5 Assam BN NCC. 40 cyclist and 38 Cadets apart from nominated staff from the Centre participated in the Rally.
An in house awareness programme regarding the vision & mission of ACCF was organised. It was attended by prominent doctors of tezpur including IMA president Dr Dwipen Mahanta, Dr Tultul Mukherjee, Dr Joshua Anand Seelam, Dr Rahimuddin Ahmed, Dr Pinaki Chakrabarty and various respective personalities of Tezpur. Several Cancer survivors who have recovered after being treated at TCC narrated their experiences during the fight against cancer.
A screening camp was also organized at Tezpur Cancer centre for the common people of Tezpur which was attended by 30 beneficiaries.
Our Silchar Correspondent adds: In a resolute effort to combat cancer through awareness, prevention, and early detection, the Silchar Cancer Centre (ACCF) observed World Cancer Day with a series of impactful initiatives. Located within the SMCH campus, the institution reaffirmed its dedication to spreading knowledge about cancer risks, promoting early diagnosis, and ensuring accessible healthcare for all. The event brought together medical experts, administrative leaders, and community members in a unified stand against one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time.
The day’s observance commenced with an energetic Cancer Awareness Rally, flagged off by senior radiation oncologist Dr Phulkumari Talukdar. Volunteers and healthcare professionals took to the streets to educate the public on cancer prevention and the importance of early detection. In collaboration with the NCD Cell at SM Dev Civil Hospital, another rally was organised, where volunteers distributed informative leaflets to passersby, reinforcing the life-saving message that timely medical intervention can make a crucial difference.
A significant highlight of the program was the sensitisation session held at the Silchar Cancer Centre. Medical Superintendent Dr Biswajit Ghosh inaugurated the session, which saw the participation of several eminent dignitaries, including Cachar district commissioner, Mridul Yadav, joint director of health services Dr Shibananda Roy, and senior medical professionals from SMCH.
Addressing the gathering, Cachar district commissioner Mridul Yadav reiterated the district administration’s unwavering commitment to enhancing cancer awareness and healthcare infrastructure.
“Cancer is a growing public health concern, and awareness plays a crucial role in combating it. The district administration stands firmly with the Silchar Cancer Centre in its mission to spread awareness, facilitate early detection, and ensure quality treatment for all sections of society. We will continue to extend our full support in strengthening cancer care services across the district.” Started DC Mridul Yadav
DC Yadav also reaffirmed the district administration’s commitment to enhancing cancer awareness and strengthening healthcare infrastructure. He emphasised the need for community-driven efforts and multi-sectoral collaboration to make cancer care accessible to all.
In a proactive step toward early detection, the Silchar Cancer Centre, in association with the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL), organised a special Cancer Screening Camp for truck drivers—an often-overlooked segment of society that lacks access to regular health checkups. Out of 53 individuals screened, seven were found to have pre-cancerous conditions and were immediately advised to undergo further medical evaluation. This initiative underscored the critical need for routine health screenings, particularly for high-risk groups who may otherwise remain undiagnosed until it is too late.
It is pertinent to mention that extending its outreach beyond the hospital premises, the Silchar Cancer Centre conducted extensive awareness drives across key locations in Cachar. Educational sessions were held at Assam University’s Department of Social Work, Apna Ghar in Meherpur, the Trucker Union in Berenga, and the Lions Club of Silchar Valley View in Chandkhira, Udharbond. These programs provided crucial insights into cancer risks, preventive measures, and the benefits of early detection, reaching diverse sections of the community and ensuring that essential health information was accessible to all.
It’s worth mentioning that the observance of World Cancer Day at Silchar Cancer Centre was not just a symbolic event but a strong call to action. It reinforced the urgent need for continuous awareness campaigns, proactive screening programs, and strengthened healthcare infrastructure. With unwavering support from medical professionals, administrative leaders, and community organizations, the event demonstrated a collective resolve to combat cancer through education, prevention, and early intervention.
As Silchar Cancer Centre continues to lead the charge against cancer, its commitment to public awareness and proactive healthcare remains steadfast. The day’s activities served as a reminder that early detection saves lives and that, through collaborative efforts, the fight against cancer can be won.
On this World Cancer Day, Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, reaffirms its commitment towards supporting cancer research, and patient care initiatives in India. As part of its CSR commitments, Axis Bank has partnered with three reputed cancer institutions in India – National Cancer Grid (NCG) under Tata Memorial Centre, The Indian Cancer Society (ICS), and the St Jude India Childcare Centres, for building India’s digital capabilities in oncology, enhancing access to cancer care, raising awareness on early cancer diagnosis and treatment, and advancing cancer research and innovation.
According to the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN), cancer cases in India are projected to rise significantly, reaching 2.08 million by 2040, marking a sharp increase of 57.5 percent from 2020, highlighting the urgent need to scale up India’s efforts in cancer research and innovation, available medical infrastructure, and mitigating the heavy patient burden in accessing treatment[1]. In this light, the Bank welcomes the announcement by Union finance minister in her budget speech on 1st February to establish cancer daycare centres across all districts in India, with 200 such centres to be established in the next three years.
Speaking about these initiatives, Vijay Mulbagal, group executive for strategic programs & sustainability, Axis Bank, said, “At Axis Bank, we are dedicated to supporting India’s collective fight against cancer. Our partnership with key institutions who are playing an important role in the country’s cancer research, treatment, and patient care ecosystem is aligned to our vision towards building longer-term capabilities in India’s healthcare sector overall. Together with our partners, we shall continue to work towards building a future where advanced cancer care is within reach for all those in need.”
Our Margherita Correspondent adds: The Indian Red Cross Society Margherita co-district branch in collaboration with Hindustan Oil Corporation company Limited and with the assistance of Margherita college on Tuesday organised a cancer awareness programme on the occasion of World Cancer Day at Margherita college.
The cancer awareness programme was held to raise awareness among the public and dispel superstitions or misconceptions among the public about cancer.
Dr Duncan Khanikar, a physician from Cancer Care Foundation, was present as an expert physician and conducted a two-hour awareness program on the causes, symptoms and treatment of cancer through video display.
The awareness meeting was attended by 32 social organisations and more than 400 people from Margherita co-district district.
