Nagaland could face an increasingly overwhelming burden of cancer over the next 10 to 15 years unless preventive and promotive measures are strengthened, with tobacco use among adults and young people remaining a major concern, the Health & Family Welfare Department has said.
Commissioner & Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Kevilenuo Angami, made the observation while addressing the inaugural session of the Annual State Review Meeting of the National Oral Health Programme (NOHP) cum Oral Cancer Screening Orientation and Hands-on Training Programme at the Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) Auditorium on September 10.
The two-day programme, held on September 10 and 11, was organised by the Dr K & T Keditsu Foundation in collaboration with the Dental Department, NHAK, and Department of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland. It was supported by TANUH-AI Centre of Excellence, Department of Electrical Communication Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Biocon Foundation and Foundation of Head & Neck Oncology.
Angami said oral health remained a relatively neglected aspect of the State’s health spectrum despite its importance to overall health. She pointed to continuing gaps in awareness, prevention, early detection and treatment of dental caries, periodontal diseases and oral cancer.
She identified tobacco consumption, particularly smokeless tobacco, betel-quid chewing, excessive alcohol consumption, poor oral hygiene and persistent viral infections, including Human Papillomavirus (HPV), among the risk factors associated with oral cancer.
“The high prevalence of tobacco use is particularly alarming,” Angami said, citing the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS-2). She also referred to the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS), 2019, which reported a high proportion of tobacco use among children in the 13–15-year age group.
Against the backdrop of the prevailing burden of head and neck cancers and other malignancies, she stressed the need for a comprehensive approach covering awareness, prevention, screening, early detection, accurate diagnosis, timely referral and appropriate management.
Angami particularly emphasised the importance of strengthening the diagnostic and biopsy skills of Dental Surgeons posted at health facilities across the State. She urged them to actively participate in the hands-on training and take the knowledge and skills acquired back to their respective Health Units.
She expressed appreciation to the Dr K & T Keditsu Foundation, particularly Dr Keduovinuo and the team, for organising the programme and facilitating resources to enhance the knowledge and skills of Dental Surgeons in performing biopsy procedures.
She said stronger diagnostic capabilities would contribute to early detection, timely intervention, appropriate referral and better patient outcomes, and called for greater professional preparedness and collective commitment to strengthening dental healthcare services in Nagaland.
The inaugural programme began with an invocation by Addl. Director (Dental), Dr Reyosalu Lase, followed by a welcome address by Managing Director, NHAK, Dr Ruutuou Sorhie. Special remarks were delivered by Principal Director Dr Keveduyi Theyo, Director (Dental) Dr I Arenla Walling and Managing Trustee, Dr K&T Keditsu Foundation, Dr Toshevi Keditsu Sema.
The programme was chaired by Sr Dental Surgeon, NHAK, Dr Neingutunuo Angami, while Dy Director (Dental) and SNO (NTCP), Dr I Simon Sumi, delivered the vote of thanks.
(With DIPR inputs)
