Assam Cancer Care Foundation marked a significant milestone in its commitment to advancing academics and research in the field of Oncology with the successful conclusion of the second edition of Northeast Oncology Summit (NEOS). The two-day multidisciplinary scientific event – NEOS 2024 was hosted by Dibrugarh Cancer Centre on January 27 and 28, 2024 focusing on the theme ‘Changing Paradigms of Oncology: Hopes and Challenges.’

With the aim to foster collaboration, drive innovation, and explore avenues for addressing the challenges of cancer care in Northeast India, NEOS 2024 emerged as a focal point for a gathering of several eminent medical professionals and delegates from across India and beyond.

Renowned healthcare professionals including Dr P Arun, Director - Tata Medical Center – Kolkata and Director - Assam Cancer Care Foundation; Dr Anita Borges, Director - Centre for Oncopathology – Mumbai; Dr Sobhan Vinjamuri - Professor, Royal Liverpool University Hospital – London, had delivered insightful keynote lectures at the event. The event featured workshops on various topics, poster presentations, and interactive sessions to address and discuss the day-to-day challenges and highlight recent advancements in cancer care.

Similar to the inaugural edition held at Tezpur, the active participation of attendees - oncologists, physicians, and PG students - transformed the second edition - NEOS 2024 - into a remarkable feat.

NEOS 2024 - with its diverse sessions, lectures, and panel discussions - not only showcased the advancements in oncology care but also encouraged an interactive exchange of ideas. The inclusion of MSD sessions and video presentations added a layer of innovation - ensuring that the summit remained dynamic and engaging. As the Summit concluded, it left a trail of insights - laying the foundation for ongoing advancements in the fight against cancer. The key sessions not only fueled intellectual discourse but, are also poised to inspire collaborative efforts to address the unique challenges faced in Northeast India's healthcare landscape.

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 – Dibrugarh Cancer Centre joined hands with Sarathi NGO to organize a programme focusing on raising cancer awareness. Free screening for oral, breast and cervical cancers were also held. Dr Saurav Gogoi - Tobacco Control Officer under National Tobacco Control Programme, Dibrugarh, delivered a speech covering an array of topics including how tobacco usage and substance abuse is linked to cancer and the importance of mental health. The Dibrugarh team conducted an enforcement drive in collaboration with NTCP CELL, Dibrugarh for implementing Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) in areas under Gabharupatha and Milan Nagar Police outpost. The programme was a remarkable step towards promoting cancer awareness and encouraging people to get tested for early signs and symptoms.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Aligned with the global effort to extend support to people affected with breast cancer and to create awareness on prevention and early detection, Dibrugarh Cancer Centre organized various events in the region. Dibrugarh Cancer Centre in collaboration with Lions Club and Red Cross Society – Dibrugarh, organised awareness programmes and screening sessions for women in Dhinghula and Pub Banipur Goan. Screening and counselling sessions was organised at ACCF kiosk in AMCH premises for women beneficiaries. To spread awareness amongst masses, Pink Ribbon campaign was organised where pink ribbon was distributed to the cricketers during an inter district cricket competition at Chowkidingi field. Besides, felicitation of cancer survivors was done where the survivors spoke on their survival journey. 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.

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.

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.