Imphal, February 04 2009: If the current trend of consuming Zarda Pan among the people of Manipur continues, then the cases of oral cancer would rise alarming after 10-20 years, head of Radiotherapy Dept of RIMS Dr Th Tomcha has observed.

Speaking as resource person at the World Cancer Day observance function organised by Manipur Cancer Society at the mini auditorium of RIMS here today, Dr Tomcha pointed out that cancer has become a serious health problem in the world today.

Around 25 million people are suffering from cancer in the world today and the number of cancer patients in India alone is 2.5 million.

The number of people who have died from cancer in the world over is twice of those who have died from HIV/AIDS, he noted.

Stating that cancer has closely related to the lifestyles and food habit o the people, Tomcha further informed that rate of lung cancer prevalence among the male population and breast cancer among the female population of Manipur is very high.

Consumption of tobacco products and smoking cigarettes are among the main causes of cancer, Dr Tomcha observed that if the current rate of Zarda Pan consumption among the people of Manipur continues then there would be phenomenal rise in the number of oral cancer after 10-20 years from now.

Consumption of smoked-fish or meat, salted fish and other processed food items may also lead to formation of cancer cells in human body, Dr Tomcha disclosed, while explaining that in case of consuming such food items, regular intake of fresh vegetables and fruits may reduce the chances of cancer formation.

Earlier delivering the key note address, secretary of Manipur Cancer Society Birendra Kangjam observed that today cancer is not just a medical issue but also of psychological economical and political issue.

So instead of combating cancer individually, collective effort is required.

Medical Superintendent of RIMS Dr Y Mohen who attended the function as chief guest noted that even if smoking in public places has been banned by the Government, it appears that with exception to RIMS there is no restriction on smoking in other public places of Manipur, he said, adding this is really unfortunate as giving up consumption of tobacco products by each and every person is of paramount importance if we have to prevent cancer.

The vice president of Manipur Cancer Society Dr Kameshore presided over the function.

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