Union Minister of State, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Ashwini Kumar Choubey on Friday visited Dr B Borooah Cancer Institute (BBCI) and interacted with the doctors, officials, and employees of the institute.
The Director, BBCI, Dr A.C Kataki while apprising the minister about the cancer scenrio and treatment facilities in Assam, stated that out of 4.5 cr population in the North East Region, every year 39,635 new cancer cases are detected, out of which Assam alone contributes to 29,962 patients.
Quoting statistics of National Cancer Registry Programme of ICMR, Dr. Kataki informed that incidence of cancer in Assam and North Eastern Region is highest in the country, but cancer treatment facilitiesin the region is limited.
Urban Kamrup District of Assam has recorded incidence of 206 per lakh in male and 174 per lakh in female as against national average of 80-110 per year.
In Assam, there are 6 centres at present for treatment of cancer.
Dr Kataki highlighted shortage of human resource in the North Eastern Region for which BBCI is taking an active role for capacity development in oncology.
