HT Correspondent
KOKRAJHAR, Feb 4: World Cancer Day was observed across Kokrajhar district on Wednesday with a series of awareness programmes aimed at promoting early detection, prevention and treatment of cancer.
The programmes were organised by the Kokrajhar Cancer Hospital in collaboration with the District Health Society and a range of awareness activities were conducted at different locations across the district to sensitise people about cancer-related issues.
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As part of the observance, an awareness rally was taken out from the Nursing College to the Kokrajhar Cancer Centre. The rally was flagged off by Kokrajhar MLA Lawrence Islary in the presence of Dr Atul Chandra Boro, principal of KMCH and Dr Nirmal Kumar Singha, medical superintendent of the Kokrajhar Cancer Centre, among others.
The rally saw active participation from nursing students, faculty members, health staff and volunteers, who carried placards and raised slogans highlighting cancer prevention and the importance of early diagnosis.
Addressing the participants, Dr Atul Chandra Boro spoke on cancer prevention and the role of a healthy lifestyle. He also highlighted the success of screening programmes in detecting cancer at an early stage. Dr Boro urged people to abstain from tobacco-related addictions and called for greater efforts to sensitise the general population about the harmful effects of tobacco in order to promote a healthier community.
Dr Bhubaneswar Saikia, medical superintendent of KMCH, also emphasised the importance of healthy food habits, lifestyle changes and sustained awareness to prevent cancer.
Our Margherita Correspondent adds: World Cancer Day was observed along with a cancer awareness and screening programme at the auditorium hall of Digboi Women’s College on Wednesday. The programme was organised by the Indian Red Cross Society, Margherita sub-district branch, in collaboration with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (Assam Oil Division), Digboi, the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of Digboi Women’s College and the Indian Red Cross Society Assam State Branch. The event was held under the chairmanship of Dr Manoj Kumar Gogoi, president of the Indian Red Cross Society, Margherita sub-district branch.
The programme began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the distinguished guests and resource persons, followed by a Borgeet presented by Lakhi Bora.
The welcome address was delivered by Pabitra Borgohain, secretary of the Indian Red Cross Society, Tinsukia district branch. In his speech, he highlighted the rising incidence of cancer and spoke about its causes, symptoms and treatment methods. He stressed the importance of creating awareness among the general public and said the awareness meeting and screening camp were organised in line with the objectives of World Cancer Day.
Renowned cancer specialist Dr Duncan Khanikor, MD, medical oncologist of the Assam Cancer Care Foundation, attended the programme as a resource person. He elaborated on the causes, symptoms and treatment of cancer, preventive and control measures and the treatment facilities currently available. Dr Khanikor emphasised that cancer can be prevented and overcome through awareness and adoption of a healthy lifestyle.
Several distinguished guests attended the programme, including Deb Prasad Sharma, general secretary of the Indian Red Cross Society Assam State Committee, Co-District Commissioner of Digboi Phyllis VL Hmunsiam, Co-District Police Officer of Digboi Pranjal Gohain, noted educationist and retired principal Hitendra Nath Sharma, retired district commissioner Lakhi Nandan Gogoi, retired secretary to the Government of Assam Jugesh Baruah, president of the Tinsukia District Journalists Association Rana Jyoti Neog, senior citizens of Digboi Anil Saikia and Gopal Das, noted social worker Diganta Saikia and principal of AOD Nursing College Dr Aparajita Phukan, among others.
More than 500 people attended the programme, during which breast and cervical cancer screening for women was conducted by Dr Mamata Upadhyay of the Assam Cancer Care Foundation, Tinsukia unit.
Students of the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (AOD) Digboi Nursing School also performed an awareness street play on cancer, drawing attention to early detection and prevention.
The programme effectively combined expert knowledge, public awareness, community participation and on-the-spot screening, making the observance of World Cancer Day meaningful in the Digboi region.
