Itanagar, Jun 15: The West Arunachal Population-Based Cancer Registry (PBCR) on Monday released the Arunachal Pradesh State Cancer Burden Profile 2026 Factsheet, highlighting the prevailing cancer burden and emerging trends in the state.
The factsheet was formally released by Health & Family Welfare Minister Biyuram Wahge at Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS), Naharlagun, during a programme organized by the Population-Based Cancer Registry, Arunachal Pradesh.
Present on the occasion were Health Secretary Vivek HP, Director of Health Services Dr Marbom Basar, TRIHMS Director Dr Naba Kumar Bezbaruah, and Director of Family Welfare Dr Nani Rika, among other officials and healthcare professionals.
Welcoming the participants, West Arunachal PBCR Principal Investigator Dr Sopai Tawsik highlighted the importance of cancer registration and the registry’s contribution over the past 16 years in generating reliable data for evidence-based planning, policy formulation and cancer control measures in the state.
A detailed presentation on the Cancer Burden Profile 2026 was delivered by Dr Mepung Liyak, Scientist-B (Medical) at West Arunachal PBCR, outlining key trends and concerns related to cancer incidence in Arunachal Pradesh.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Marbom Basar described the findings as both an eye-opener and a matter of concern for the Health Department and the people of the state. Dr Naba Kumar Bezbaruah emphasized the role of dietary habits in cancer prevalence and advocated healthier lifestyle choices to reduce risk factors.
The Health Secretary informed that several screening and awareness programmes are being implemented across the state and observed that the growing culture of junk food consumption could also be a contributing factor to cancer.
In his address, Health Minister Biyuram Wahge stressed the need for greater public awareness regarding the cancer burden in Arunachal Pradesh and advised the department to formulate proposals for intensified awareness campaigns.
The programme concluded with a collective commitment by stakeholders to strengthen cancer surveillance, promote healthy lifestyles, expand screening services and enhance public awareness to reduce the impact of cancer in the state.