Imphal: AIO Babina Speciality Hospital and the All Manipur Working Journalists Union held a cancer awareness event at the Thangjing Auditorium today. Doctors screened attendees for breast cancer following a session focused on early detection. The event featured dignitaries including AMWJU vice-president Sonia Sorensangbam, EGM president Khogendra Khomdram, and Dr. Anil Ayekpam.
Dr. Dhabali Thangjam, CMD of the Babina Group of Companies, addressed the crowd. He tackled the stigma surrounding the disease. "Cancer can be treated and cured if detected at an early stage," Thangjam said. He noted that many people wrongly believe a diagnosis equals a death sentence.
Data shows lung cancer hits men the hardest. Breast cancer remains the most common form in women. Colon cancer also persists as a frequent diagnosis. Regional statistics indicate Mizoram reports the highest cancer rates in the Northeast, followed by Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. Manipur currently sits below the national average.
Setting up local care was difficult. Six years ago, patients fled the state for treatment. Babina Group eventually partnered with American Oncology to build the hospital despite outsiders viewing Manipur as a disturbed region. Finding qualified staff remains a hurdle, but the hospital continues to push for better care within the state.
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