The NCD Cell, District Health Society, Thoubal observed the National Cancer Awareness Day 2025 at Primary Health Centre, Charangpat on Friday.
Dr. M. Bikramjit Singh, District Nodal Officer, NCD Cell, Thoubal, Dr. L. Ranjankumar Singh, Sr. MO, PHC Charangpat, Shri Ch. Basanta Singh, District Program Manager, District Health Society, Thoubal and Dr. S. Padmabati Devi, NCD Epidemiologist attended the function as Chief Guest, President and Guests of Honour respectively.
Shri Ch. Basanta Singh, District Program Manager, highlighted the importance of observing the day. He stated that observing the day will definitely encourage people to recognise early warning signs, regular screening, and also understanding lifestyle-related risk factors.
Dr. Bikramjit Singh, DNO-NCD stressed on preventive measures. He appealed to the public for healthy habits like quitting tobacco, reducing alcohol intake, eating nutritious food, and staying physically active. He said that early detection of cancer can save lives, so we have to encourage people for early screening and diagnosis, as many early-stage cancers are usually treatable. We have to provide emotional support, empathy, encouraging openness and access to care to cancer patients. PMJAY, CMHT and other social benefits of the government are to be highlighted to the patients for easy access. In Thoubal District, all the health facilities including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, Primary Health Centres, CHC and District Hospital are providing free cancer screening camps from time to time, he informed.
Dr. L. Ranjankumar Singh highlighted the need for the public to focus on healthy lifestyles by doing regular exercises, eating fruits and vegetables, and abstaining from intoxicating drugs. Cancer is one of the biggest health challenges in public health. The challenge is not only medical but also social, emotional, and financial. A maximum of the cases are diagnosed at a late stage when treatment is more complicated, more expensive, and less effective. Limited awareness of early symptoms, delayed screening, and stigma often lead to late diagnosis which leads to premature death.
The programme was attended by 52 youth, men and women of the surrounding areas. A free health check-up and counselling session was also conducted at the spot.
It may be mentioned here that the National Cancer Awareness Day was first declared in 2014 in India. November 7 was chosen to mark the birth anniversary of Marie Curie, the two-time Nobel Prize winner whose work on radioactivity forms the foundation of many cancer treatments used today. Her groundbreaking research opened the door to radiation therapy, making her legacy deeply entwined with modern cancer care.
