DARRANG CANCER CENTRE

28 February 2023

World Cancer Day Observed at Darrang

World Cancer Day is observed worldwide on February 4 every year to raise awareness for a cancer-free society. Aligned with the theme for this year – Close the Care Gap - Darrang Cancer Centre organized programmes with the aim to spread cancer awareness amongst the masses and educate about early detection, treatment, and prevention of cancer. A community awareness programme was organised by the team where Dr Sahidul Islam talked about the emerging cancer incidence in Assam and the significant reasons behind it. He insisted in quitting consumption of tobacco and its products, as it is one of the key reasons for the rise in cancer. Dr Islam further explained about the initiatives of Assam Cancer Care Foundation for tackling cancer cases in Assam, as well as the available services in ACCF hospitals. This was followed by a rally where a large number of people joined hands to raise awareness in the region. Information, education, and communication (IEC) materials illustrating signs and symptoms of common cancers were distributed amongst patients and the public.

28 October 2022

Darrang Cancer Centre organises Community Awareness Programmes on the Occasion of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

On the occasion of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Darrang Cancer Centre organised various awareness programmes to extend support to people affected with breast cancer and to create awareness on prevention and early detection. At Kawaimari Health and Wellness Centre, an awareness programme was organized where the gathering was trained on self-breast examination and emphasis was laid on the importance of mammography. Another awareness programme was held amongst Agrasar Self-Help Group beneficiaries with the objective of raising hope, building capacity, education, and empowerment. On the occasion, Mrs Karabai Nath - breast cancer survivor, shared her experience on diagnosis and treatment and encouraged all to undergo screening for early detection of breast cancer. With the aim to influence the young mind - an awareness and training programme was also held amongst young adult girls at school level. ACCF team imparted knowledge on breast cancer causes, symptoms, and treatment. Breast Cancer is curable, if detected early. To facilitate early diagnosis, Assam Cancer Care Foundation hospitals provided free mammography for women above 45 years in the month of October. Mammography facility is available at affordable rates in all seven ACCF hospitals at Dibrugarh, Barpeta, Jorhat, Tezpur, Lakhimpur, Darrang, and Kokrajhar.

01 September 2022

Upper Assam Gets the First PET Scan Services; A Boon to Cancer Patients

PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography Scan) is a technique to detect the extent of spread of cancer and the progress & response to treatment in cancer patients. In absence of this facility, many patients had to undertake travel to faraway places and spend considerable sum of money to avail the facility and that too after a long wait. This is a critical test for efficient and accurate treatment of cancer which is now available at the Dibrugarh Cancer Center operated by the Assam Cancer Care Foundation - a joint initiative of the Government of Assam and the Tata Trusts. PET CT involves logistics management as the isotope required for the test is procured from Kolkata and brought by regular airlines under strict radiation safety precautions. The isotope has to be used on same day since it loses its efficacy due to limited half-life. With the efforts of ACCF, all the regulatory formalities have been completed as per satisfaction of the Atomic Energy Regulation Board (AERB) and PET facilities are now available in Dibrugarh for common people at most economic price. Dr Nitin Gangrade – Consultant, Nuclear Medicine at Dibrugarh Cancer Center has stated that the PET CT is latest and state-of-the-art machine available now in Dibrugarh and can perform all those tests which are regularly carried out in big cities. Dibrugarh Cancer Center has few more firsts such as first 128 Slice CT Scan which can undertake cardiac studies, a 3 Tesla MRI machine, the highest specification available in MRI technology and most modern blood component lab which is likely to start services in a few weeks. ACCF cancer center in Dibrugarh has two Linear accelerators - again first in Upper Assam and about 60 patients get the benefitted daily from these machines with practically no waiting for their turn to start the treatment. In the last four months 950 patients have received Chemotherapy, and 5800 patients have received Radiation Therapy. “It is only because of the visionary efforts of the Government of Assam in coordination with Tata Trusts, that the Dibrugarh Cancer Center is progressing at a fast pace and bringing world class cancer treatment modalities close to patients’ home and we are confident that the center would carve a niche for itself in national cancer care landscape”, said Shri Biswajit Pegu - DC Dibrugarh.

15 August 2022

75th Independence Day Celebration

Assam Cancer Care Foundation celebrated 75th Independence Day across its units at Dibrugarh, Barpeta, Tezpur, Lakhimpur, Jorhat, Darrang and Kokrajhar. A ceremonial programme was organized at each location beginning with flag hoisting, followed by parade and cultural show. The highlight of the day was plantation of 75 trees in each location to mark the 75th year of Indian independence and an endeavour towards protection of the environment. The event was attended by members of respective units - doctors, nurses and staff members along with their families.