Awareness is the key to prevent cancer: Chief Minister

Agartala, February 4: Chief Minister Professor (Dr.) Manik Saha addressed a gathering at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Regional Cancer Center in Agartala on the occasion of World Cancer Day. Emphasizing the importance of awareness in preventing cancer, he highlighted that modern medicine has made cancer curable. Early detection, he asserted, significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and long-term survival.
Dr. Saha drew attention to the prevalence of mouth cancer in the eight states of the North East. He attributed this trend to harmful habits such as chewing pan-supari, tobacco, and cigarettes. Additionally, he noted that cancer affects various body parts, including the mouth, breast, bones, lungs, and uterus.
The Chief Minister urged vigilance, advising immediate consultation with a doctor if any unusual wound or swelling is observed. He also underscored the need to support cancer patients’ families during their challenging journey.
Recognizing the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Regional Cancer Center as the region’s premier hospital, Dr. Saha pledged further modernization. He advocated for free treatment for cancer patients based on humanitarian grounds. Promoting the center’s services locally, he aims to reduce the tendency to seek treatment outside the state.
During the function, Chief Minister Professor (Dr.) Manik Saha honored cancer survivors who had fully recovered after treatment.