Cancer in the NorthEast India: Where we are and what needs to be done?

Abstract

North East Region in India is showing a peculiar type of cancer incidence pattern. This is an attempt to get a clear picture of cancer in NE India, the gaps in providing cancer care, and a way forward for a healthier NE. For this purpose, a desk review was undertaken along with secondary data analysis in 2018. In NE, the survival rate is comparatively very low, with higher proportion of distant metastasis cases at diagnosis. Even worse, the NE region lacks required infrastructure with respect to specialized treatment facilities, human resources, etc., In view of high burden of the disease with very limited resources, a multidisciplinary, multidimensional, and multilevel approach are needed to protect this vibrant region from becoming the cancer hub.