Nov. 12: In tune with Rotary International’s worldwide focus on health care, the Rotary Club of Guwahati East is organising an inter-city meet on cancer-prevention awareness on November 14.
The programme aims at initiating awareness on cancer and its prevention among the people. It will include a presentation by Ramesh Chandra Deka, head of department of ENT of the Delhi-based All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and lectures by two top oncologists from the region’s premier cancer hospice, the B. Barooah Cancer Institute.
Deka’s presentation will focus on the different kinds of cancer that are prevalent in the Northeast, measures for their early detection and how they can be prevented. “As one of the top ENT specialists of the country attached to the AIIMS, Deka comes across several medical cases from this region. Based on his observations over the years, he has made an assessment of the kinds of cancer that are most prevalent in the region. We thus approached him to deliver the keynote address in this regard,” said Ranjit Das, president Rotary Club of Guwahati East.
Das said cancer-awareness had become important in view of the rising incidence of the disease in the region, especially in the city. Data computed by the B. Barooah Cancer Institute shows a total of 3,391 malignant cases at the institute in 2002-03. The total number of outpatient consultation in the same period was 27,594.
The meet, which will be held at the Pensioner’s Bhawan auditorium from 9 am to 2 pm will add to the knowledge-base — created by both governmental and non-governmental organisations — among general people by holding awareness camps, seminars and workshops from time to time. “It is also another step of the Rotary Club to ensure better health of the community,” added Das.
“Community service is the traditional and well-known face of Rotary. It covers help and advice to the aged, the handicapped, the infirm, young people and all those in need, either directly or through local charitable organisations. This cancer-awareness meet will go a long way in helping the common man, we hope,” said Das.
The club is now contemplating to join hands with the state health department in the latter’s cancer prevention awareness programme that is due to begin soon. Bhumidhar Barman, Assam minister for health and family welfare will be the chief guest at the November 14 meet.
The Rotary Club of Guwahati East is an international district of Rotary International — a worldwide association of local clubs founded in 1905 for men and women who provide humanitarian service.
