Ziro, April 25, 2025:
In a significant step towards cancer prevention in the Ziro Valley, the District Administration of Lower Subansiri on Friday distributed the test reports of the Gastric (Stomach) Cancer Epidemiology & Risk Study to 203 screened participants at Gyati Takka General Hospital (GTGH), Ziro.
The screening, conducted from March 5 to 8, 2025, was part of an ongoing initiative to understand the prevalence and risk factors of stomach cancer in the region. The program is a collaborative effort between Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute (BBCI), Guwahati; the State Cancer Society of Arunachal Pradesh, Naharlagun; and GTGH Ziro, with crucial support from the District Administration and the Community Advisory Board of Ziro.
Deputy Commissioner Shri Vivek HP, who personally handed over the test reports to participants, voiced concern over the increasing consumption of carbonated drinks like Coke and Pepsi among children and youths. He also highlighted the declining population of certain Apatani clans, urging the community to be more mindful of their dietary habits and actively support ongoing health screenings.
Dr. B.B. Borthakur, Director of BBCI Guwahati, presented a summary of the test results. Out of 203 individuals screened, 51 were identified as high-risk, 70 as moderate-risk, and 82 as nominal-risk for developing stomach cancer. He emphasized that stomach cancer arises from multiple factors and appealed to the participants for continued cooperation over the next few years so that his team can monitor their health, study dietary patterns, and implement timely preventive interventions.
Dr. Koj Jarbo, Medical Superintendent of GTGH Ziro, along with other doctors, medical staff, and members of the local community, attended the distribution event, marking a collective effort to promote early detection and healthier lifestyles in the region.