Advances in cancer treatment are offering new hope to patients in Assam, reducing the need for long-distance travel and improving survival outcomes, doctors said at a medical awareness programme held here on Friday. Medanta – The Medicity organised the cancer awareness and medical interaction programme in North Lakhimpur, where Dr Kunjahari Medhi, Senior Director, Medical Oncology and Haemato Oncology at Medanta’s Cancer Institute, highlighted the growing role of immunotherapy and targeted therapy in cancer care.
Assam continues to report cancer rates higher than the national average, with tobacco-related cancers common among men and breast and cervical cancers widely affecting women. Citing global estimates, doctors noted that nearly one in five people is likely to develop cancer during their lifetime, underlining the need for awareness and access to modern treatment.
Speaking on recent advances in cancer treatment, Dr Medhi said immunotherapy and targeted therapy allow doctors to personalise care based on the biology of each tumour, improving effectiveness while reducing the severe side effects associated with conventional chemotherapy. He added that while challenges remain, these therapies are helping shift cancer care towards long-term survival and better quality of life. The programme was attended by senior members of the Indian Medical Association, including Dr Manik Mohan Baruah, president, and Dr Nikhil Kakoti, secretary of the IMA Lakhimpur branch. Earlier, Dr Medhi held outpatient consultations in North Lakhimpur, with similar OPD services conducted in Dibrugarh on February 1. These efforts follow Medanta’s recent Bhoomi Poojan in Guwahati for a 400-plus bed super-specialty hospital. Medanta has also launched a dedicated helpline for the Northeast at 8904395588.