HT Correspondent
DIBRUGARH, Feb 3: Dibrugarh NCD Cell in collaboration with the Dibrugarh Cancer Centre, a unit of Assam Cancer Care Foundation organized a comprehensive training cum workshop on the eve of ‘World Cancer Day, 2024’ on Saturday here.
The ‘World Cancer Day’ is observed every year across the globe on February 4 every year.
The event held under the theme ‘Close the Care Gap’, aimed to raise awareness about the prevalence of cancer in the northeastern region and emphasize on the importance of early detection in combating this disease.
Esteemed speakers Sourab Gogoi, joint director of Dibrugarh health Services and Nabajyoti Choudhury, unit head of the Dibrugarh Cancer Centre shared their valuable insights on the prevalence of cancer in the Northeast and the significance of early detection.
Their presentations emphasized the need for collaborative efforts in fighting cancer and ensuring better patient outcomes.
The training cum workshop focused on enhancing the knowledge and skills of community health workers and medical officers from Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM) and block primary health centers (BPHC) in Dibrugarh Block.
The participants received comprehensive training on cancer awareness, early detection methods, and effective communication strategies to bridge the care gap and improve outcomes for cancer patients.
Prominent speakers such as Sanghamitra Hazarika from the department of obstetrics and gynecology, of the Assam Medical College, Vijay Gupta, and Satabdi Sarmah from the Dibrugarh Cancer Centre shared their valuable insights on cervical, breast, and oral cancer screening, respectively.
Their expertise further contributed to equipping healthcare professionals with the necessary knowledge to enhance early cancer detection in the region.
As part of the programme, a free mammography screening was organized at the Dibrugarh Cancer Centre for the front-line workers of Dibrugarh.
A total of 23 ASHA workers availed themselves of this opportunity to undergo mammography screening, contributing to the early detection of breast cancer.
Sourab Gogoi expressed his appreciation for the collaborative efforts, stating, “Events like this training cum workshop and the free mammography screening play a crucial role in empowering healthcare professionals, raising awareness, and bridging the care gap. Early detection is the key in the fight against cancer and we are committed to providing the necessary support.”
The combined efforts of all stakeholders involved are crucial in closing the care gap and offering better care and support to cancer patients in the region.