Aizawl, Feb 5: Cancer remains the leading cause of death from non-communicable diseases in Mizoram, with experts attributing the high prevalence to widespread tobacco use and lifestyle factors. The state, which has the highest tobacco consumption rate in India, is witnessing an alarming rise in cancer-related deaths. Between 2018 and 2023, at least 6,745 people in Mizoram lost their lives to cancer, according to data from the National Programme for Prevention & Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases & Stroke (NPCDCS). The statistics were presented during an event marking ‘World Cancer Day’ on Tuesday.
Yearly cancer death figures show a steady rise, with 995 fatalities in 2018, 1,081 in 2019, 1,100 in 2020, 1,138 in 2021, 1,131 in 2022, and approximately 1,300 in 2023. A full count for 2024 has not yet been compiled. In addition, 11,569 cancer cases have been recorded at the Mizoram State Cancer Institute (MSCI) over the past six years, with the highest number of cases in 2023 at 2,100, followed by 2,071 in 2022 and 2,013 in 2021.
Dr. Jerry L Pautu, MSCI Director, acknowledged that while cancer cases have been increasing each year, improvements in treatment facilities have led to better survival rates for patients. He noted that many cancer patients now live longer, even without complete cures. He emphasized that tobacco use, especially smoking, plays a crucial role in Mizoram’s high cancer rates. Dr. Pautu called for increased awareness campaigns, especially targeting the youth, to reduce tobacco consumption and promote early detection for more effective treatment.
MSCI has made significant progress in improving treatment facilities. The institute installed its first cobalt therapy unit on February 4, 1998, and last year, it was upgraded to a Tertiary Care Cancer Centre (TCCC). A total of Rs 732 crore has been allocated for further upgrades through funding from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). These efforts aim to improve cancer care and support the increasing number of patients in the state.
