Home / Health / Northeast India's Alarming Cancer Crisis: 1 in 4 Men at Risk
Northeast India's Alarming Cancer Crisis: 1 in 4 Men at Risk
8 Nov
Summary
- Northeast India faces high lifetime cancer risks, with 1 in 4 men affected.
- Kamrup Urban, Papum Pare, East Khasi Hills, and Aizawl districts identified.
- Lifestyle and tobacco use are major contributors to cancer incidence.
The northeast region of India is grappling with some of the nation's highest lifetime cancer risks. Recent data from the National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) indicates that by age 74, one in four men and one in four to six women in several districts face a cancer diagnosis. Districts such as Kamrup Urban in Assam, Papum Pare in Arunachal Pradesh, East Khasi Hills in Meghalaya, and Aizawl in Mizoram are prominently identified in this alarming trend.
Medical professionals are highlighting that 90-95% of cancer cases in the northeast are linked to environmental factors, with lifestyle choices and tobacco consumption accounting for an estimated 65-70%. This is underscored by a concerning rise in tobacco use in states like Assam, Tripura, and Manipur, despite a national decline. Experts stress the critical need for healthier lifestyles, improved dietary habits, effective tobacco control, and regular screening to combat the growing cancer burden in the region.
