Nagaland Tackles Rising Oral Cancer Rates with New Training Initiative

Kohima: Health officials met at the Naga Hospital Authority Kohima on September 10 and 11. They held a review meeting for the National Oral Health Programme and a hands-on workshop for oral cancer screening. The Dr. K and T Keditsu Foundation organized the two-day event. It ran alongside the Dental Department of NHAK and the Nagaland Department of Health and Family Welfare.

Support came from several groups: the TANUH-AI Centre of Excellence, the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru, the Biocon Foundation, and the Foundation of Head and Neck Oncology. Dr. Reyosalu Lase opened the event with an invocation. Dr. Ruutuou Sorhie provided the welcome. Additional remarks came from Dr. Keveduyi Theyo, Dr. I. Arenla Walling, and Dr. Toshevi Keditsu Sema.

Kevilenuo Angami, Commissioner and Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department, served as the special guest. She warned that oral health is often ignored. She cited tobacco use, betel quid, and alcohol as major drivers for cancer. Citing survey data, she noted that rising tobacco use among youth and adults creates a looming crisis. She said, "the high prevalence of tobacco use among adults and youth is alarming and could lead to an overwhelming cancer burden in the next 10-15 years unless preventive measures are undertaken urgently."

Angami pushed for better early detection and biopsy skills among dental surgeons. She thanked the foundation for the training initiative. Dr. Neingutunuo Angami chaired the sessions. Dr. I. Simon Sumi closed the event with a vote of thanks.