Consultative Meeting with Religious Leaders of Meghalaya in the fight against cancer!

 A consultative meeting with the religious leaders of Meghalaya, along with the state health

authorities, was organized by the department of Surgical Oncology, NEIGRIHMS on the 24 th

May, 2023. In his opening address, Dr. Nalin Mehta, Director, NEIGRIHMS, said that

Meghalaya is known as the Cancer capital of India and has amongst the highest incidence of

cancer (131 per lakh population) in the country and hence it was important to raise

awareness through every available option. Involvement of religious leaders would go a long

way in this regard as they are in a position to influence the masses effectively. It was

imperative, he added, to utilize all alternatives including various media channels, in formats

that would impact children as well as adults.

Dr. Caleb Harris, Associate Professor, Surgical Oncology, said that Meghalaya has the

dubious distinction of having the highest incidence of Esophageal cancer in the country,

with over 70 per lakh population incidence, which is ten times the national average.

Esophageal cancer, he stressed, is caused by use of tobacco, alcohol and betel nut, and

hence is preventable.

Mr. Sampath Kumar IAS, Principal Secretary and Commissioner, Health & Family Welfare,

Govt. Meghalaya, lauded the initiative and exhorted the religious leaders to use their

platforms to raise awareness against tobacco, alcohol and kwai, and encourage a healthy

lifestyle. Rev. Fr. Richard Majaw, Secretary of Shillong All Faith Forum and Rev. Edwin Harris

Kharkongor, Secretary, Khasi Jaintia Christian Leaders Forum said that to bring about a

change in the mind-set of the people, we need to project good role models who stand

against tobacco, alcohol and kwai.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the Central Puja Committee, Shillong

Muslim Union, Shillong Buddhist Association, Unitarian Church and various churches. The

attendees were very moved by the experiences shared by a cancer survivor and the family

member of a cancer victim. It was unanimously agreed that religious places should be

declared as tobacco-free zones. The meeting ended with a vote of thanks by Dr. Star Pala,

Additional Professor of Community Medicine, NEIGRIHMS.