Ziro, Mar 4: In an effort towards studying the causes of gastric cancer and its prevention, the Minister of Health Biyuram Wahge has launched Gastric Cancer Epidemiology and Risk Study in Ziro Valley at Gyati Takka General Hospital today.
Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Biyuram Wahge launched the four-day gastric cancer screening programme. The gastric cancer screening programme is being organised by Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute (BBCI), Guwahati in association with the State Cancer Society of Arunachal Pradesh, Naharlagun and Gyati Takka General Hospital, Ziro and supported by District Administration, Lower Subansiri District & Community Advisory Board (CAB). 
Addressing the gathering, Wahge termed cancer as a big challenge to society as when a person suffers from cancer then it does not affect the patient only but it also affects the whole family. While praising the initiative, he expressed happiness to be part of the history-making project and asked the hosting department and local community based organisations to cooperate with the Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute to make the programme successful. Further, he assured all possible help from his side. The Health Minister has also launched a campaign ‘Action Against Stigma’, an initiative of TB Association of India.
MLA Hage Appa thanked BBCI, Guwahati for choosing Ziro for the initiative and urged people to come forward voluntarily for screening and help the medical teams in ongoing research on gastric cancer.
Dr. Subu Tasso Kampu, President of Apatani Women Association Ziro (AWAZ) highlighted the importance of women in health care, both in hospitals as doctors and nurses and in the family as managers of kitchens. She said, as usually womenfolk take care of cooking at home so it is necessary for women to know which foods are responsible for gastric cancer and related diseases. She further informed the gathering that through widespread campaign and community mobilisation, her team has managed to get 160 volunteers registered for the gastric cancer screening program.
While highlighting the plan of the programme, Dr. B.B. Borthakur, Director of BBCI, Guwahati informed that gastric cancer is the fifth most common cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide and unlike rest of India, Ziro Valley has reported highest number of gastric cancer cases, 1 in every 35 females and 1 in every 65 males. He said, since exact causes of gastric cancer is unknown so they are studying the pre-disposing factors leading to gastric cancer and conclusively finding out the conditions for intervention. He further told that such screening programs will be conducted in three other places of Arunachal Pradesh, namely Dirang in West Kameng, Pasighat in East Siang and in Namsai District.
Dr. Koj Jarbo, Medical Superintendent, GTGG, Ziro and Hage Komo, Chairman, Community Advisory Board (CAB) also spoke on the occasion. The launching program has also been attended by Rani Perme, SDO, Dr. Nani Rika, DMO, Dr. Bamin Tada, Secretary for NE, TB Association of India, Tai Arun, DIPRO in-charge, CBOs and officials from the district administration and health department. DIPRO

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
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