Aizawl, June 8: Mizoram continues to face one of the highest cancer burdens in the country, with 9,468 cancer cases recorded between 2018 and 2022, according to the latest Population Based Cancer Registry (PBCR) Mizoram Report, which was officially released by Health & Family Welfare Minister Lalrinpuii on Monday.
 |
| Mizoram Health & Family Welfare Minister Lalrinpuii addresses participants during the release of the Population Based Cancer Registry (PBCR) Mizoram Report 2018–2022 at Aijal Club, Aizawl, on June 8. (Image: DIPR Mizoram) |
The report was unveiled during a Workshop-cum-Reorientation on Cancer Registration and Data Quality organized by the Population Based Cancer Registry Mizoram at McCabe Hall, Aijal Club. The event brought together health officials, doctors, researchers, and stakeholders involved in cancer surveillance and treatment.
Speaking at the programme, Minister Lalrinpuii described the work of PBCR Mizoram as invaluable in understanding the state's cancer burden and shaping healthcare policies. She noted that the report provides a clear picture of the cancer situation across Mizoram and highlighted the importance of reliable data in planning prevention, treatment, and palliative care services.
According to the report, a total of 9,468 cancer cases were detected during the five-year period, including 4,920 men and 4,548 women. The registry also recorded 4,450 cancer-related deaths during the same period, averaging nearly 890 deaths annually.
The minister acknowledged that cancer cases continue to rise in Mizoram each year. However, she said the state has also made progress in curative treatment and palliative care services. She added that cancer statistics generated by PBCR Mizoram have played an important role in ongoing efforts to establish a more advanced cancer hospital in the state with assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Lalrinpuii further emphasized the credibility of the registry, noting that PBCR Mizoram data has been recognized by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) under the World Health Organization (WHO) and has been included in three volumes of the globally recognized publication Cancer Incidence in Five Continents.
Commissioner and Secretary of the Health & Family Welfare Department, K. Lalrinzuali, praised healthcare professionals for their dedication and service, stating that their commitment has been instrumental in strengthening cancer care and health services in the state.
Presenting findings from two decades of cancer research in Mizoram, Dr. C. Lalchhandama, Principal Investigator of PBCR Mizoram, stated that Mizoram continues to record the highest cancer incidence rate in India. He revealed that studies conducted between 2003 and 2020 show a steady rise in cancer cases across the state.
ALSO READ: Mizo National Front (MNF) Fields Advocate Zothansangi Hmar for Rajya Sabha Election
According to the findings, lung cancer remains the most common cancer among men, while breast cancer is the most prevalent among women. Dr. Lalchhandama also outlined several measures required to strengthen cancer prevention, early detection, awareness, and treatment services in Mizoram.
The programme also recognized the contributions of Dr. Eric Zomawia for his role in advancing cancer surveillance and strengthening the Population Based Cancer Registry in Mizoram.
The event concluded with technical discussions led by experts and researchers focusing on improving cancer registration, data quality, and future strategies to address the growing cancer burden in the state.
The latest report underscores the magnitude of the cancer challenge facing Mizoram while highlighting the crucial role of scientific data and coordinated healthcare efforts in combating the disease.
