Oncology conference for stronger cancer awareness & support system

February 5, 2024 28 Views No Comment

AONEI marks World Cancer Day in Kohima

Morung Express news
Kohima | February 5

World Cancer Day was marked here in Kohima during a culmination programme of the 19th Annual Conference of the Association of Oncologists of Northeast India (AONEI) held from February 2-4.

Padma Shree Neidonuo Angami, sharing her testimony as a cervical cancer survivor underscored the need for collective responsibility to raise public awareness, citing lack of awareness as a barrier in the fight against cancer. Angami urged a united effort to narrow down the gap in understanding and addressing the challenges posed by cancer.

According to her, having a strong support system from diagnosis to treatment is important for people fighting cancer and their families. In 1996, Angami was diagnosed with cancer, leaving her mentally and physically shattered.

She expressed gratitude for the crucial support from her family and friends and doctors, who stood by her throughout the entire treatment process, including the reviews she underwent for over 10 years.

As a cancer survivor, she also said that the fear of recurrence always lingers.

She recalled how in March 2002, some of the survivors decided to establish Cancer Survivors Fellowship, creating a platform for sharing their experiences and supporting each other. According to her, through their stories, they aimed to instill hope in patients battling cancer.

Angami lauded the medical experts for their dedication and commitment to saving lives and wished that their efforts will transcend regional boundaries and make a positive impact at the national and international levels.

AONEI, Organising Secretary, Dr Keduovinuo Keditsu stressed on the importance of enhancing standards and care in oncology, along with staying updated on recent advances in the field. She informed that there was participation from over 250 registered members, including 100 oncology experts from across India.

Dr Keditsu added that more than 200 registrations were completed, comprising 118 faculty members, including 53 regional, 43 national, and 27 local faculty participants during the conference and the event featured 40 display posters and souvenir magazines containing 42 written abstracts.

AONEI President Dr Jadunath Buragohain said nine panel discussions on oncology were held wherein more than 30 paper presentations were made.
Speaking about the role of AONEI, he said that it is creating accessibility for treatment and awareness, besides continuing medical education (CME) more extensively.

The valedictory programme was moderated by Dr Vinotsole Tina Khamo, Organising Committee Chairperson.