World Head and Neck Cancer Day: Celebrations at Dr. Bhubaneswar Borooah Cancer Institute

Guwahati (India), ​27th July, 2015 - Head and Neck Cancer is the leading cause of death and disability in India, while oral cancer is the most common of all head and neck cancers and is the primary cause of cancer related deaths in India in men.

Every year, nearly one hundred thousand new cases of mouth cancers are diagnosed, out of which 50% die within 12 months of diagnosis. Throat cancer (pharynx and larynx) is the next common head and neck cancer in terms of prevalence. As per estimates from the Indian Council of Medical Research, India is witnessing an increase in the incidence of head and neck cancers. Indeed, they are among the top cancers affecting men and are the third most common cancers affecting women. Since 90% of these tumours are related to tobacco, alcohol and areca-nut usage, they are highly preventable.

In Dr. Bhubaneswar Borooah Cancer Institute, 40% of new cancer cases are head and neck cancer and about 80% of these patients present in the late stage because of lack of awareness about the disease. Nearly 70% of cases attending Dr Bhubaneswar Borooah Cancer Institute are tobacco related cancers.

Head and neck cancer control requires a multi-sectoral response from the Government, Non-Government Organisations, Health Care professions, civil society, academia and industry. To draw the world’s attention on effective care and control on head and neck cancer, the International Federation of Head and Neck Oncologic Society proposed 27th July as the World Head and Neck Cancer Day. This year, it has been celebrated for the first time across the world with participation from 55 countries.

Dr. Bhubaneswar Borooah Cancer Institute in collaboration with GLP Social Circle have organised a Free Head & Neck Cancer Screening Camp in the Institute on 27 July 2015 which was inaugurated by Dr P. K. Choudhury, former Superintendent (Administrator) of the Institute. Dr Choudhury in his address appealed for the prevention and early detection of cancer through public awareness campaigns and screening. He informed a large number of patients and attendants present that cancer can be cured if detected and treated early.  

An interactive session with Head and Neck Cancer Survivors was organised on the same day which was inaugurated by Actor Sri Kapil Bora. Mr Bora, in his address, appreciated the initiative of the Institute and complemented the long term cancer survivors. He appealed to them to play a bigger role in educating the public about the importance of prevention and early detection. Mr Bora fervently appealed to a large group of participants to refrain from all forms of tobacco products. All the cancer survivors present at the meeting signed a memorandum to the Honourable Chief Minister of Assam requesting a ban of loose cigarettes, the increase of taxes on tobacco products and ensure 85% of pictorial warning on cigarette packets.

Dr Tashnin Rahman, Head and Surgeon from Dr. Bhubaneswar Borooah Cancer Institute, during the meeting spoke on various aspects on cancer with emphasis on prevention, while Dr Ashok Kr. Das, Head and Neck Surgeon highlighted the magnitude of head and neck cancer, its risk factor and signs & symptoms for early detection.  

To sensitise the journalists on this public health issue, a workshop was organised which was inaugurated by Sri Ajit Kumar Bhuyan, Sr Journalist of Assam. Sri Bhuyan in his address requested the journalists highlight the implementation of various provisions of COTPA (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act) to reduce the consumption of tobacco as one of the preventive measures for the control of cancer. He further suggested that the agonising stories of tobacco victims should be published to create better awareness among policy makers. He also appealed to the Government of Assam to provide generous financial assistance to Dr. Bhubaneswar Borooah Cancer Institute to help upgrade its facilities and equipment. 

A musical programme for cancer patients, employees of BBCI and the general public, organised with support from Matri Mandir, Guwahati, was inaugurated by renowned Assamese Actor Sri Nipon Goswami.

For more information, visit the Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute homepage