The 19th Annual conference of Association of Oncologists of North East India (AONEI) 2024 was held from February 2 to 4 at de Oriental, Kohima.
Dr. Keduovinuo Keditsu, Organising Secretary of AONEI, informed that the conference witnessed the participation of over 250 registered members, including 100 oncology experts from across India.During the Valedictory session, Dr Keditsu who proposed the vote of thanks reflected on the importance of enhancing standards and care in oncology, along with staying updated on recent advances in the field, especially in the context of Nagaland.
Dr. Keditsuo noted that over 200 registrations were completed, comprising of 118 faculty members, including 53 regional, 43 national, and 27 local faculty participants during the two-day conference.
The event featured 40 display posters, and release of the souvenir magazine containing 42 written abstracts. A first of a kind Pre-Conference Live Workshop was held in Nagaland on February 2 at Putuonuo Hospital Kohima, which was followed by additional programs from February 3 to 4 at De Oriental Grand, Kohima. The speaker for the conference was Dr CS Pramesh, Director, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai.
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Sharing her testimony, Neidono Angami, Padma Shree recipient and cancer survivor, mentioned that she was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 1996, a moment that shook her to the core, both mentally and physically. Angami acknowledged the doctors who had assisted her throughout the entire treatment process.
As a cancer survivor, who had to undergo reviews for ten years, the fear of a recurrence always lingered, revealed Angami. In March 2002, some of the survivors decided to establish the Cancer Survivors Fellowship, creating a platform where survivors could share their experiences and support each other and through their stories, they would aim to instill hope in patients dealing with cancer.
Reflecting on the theme of World Cancer Day 2022-2024 – “Close the Care Gap.”, Angami viewed that the AONEI need to educate and create awareness among the public and believe that at the root of fighting cancer is the lack of awareness, and this requires a collective effort.
Later, a speech was delivered by the Dr Jadunath Buragohain, President AONEI.
The inaugural function of the Conference was graced by MLA Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhütso who highlighted on the current scenario of Cancer in Nagaland. Dr. Rhütso noted that Nagaland is currently ranked 11 in the cancer incidence in India and ranked second highest in the world for Nasopharynx cancer.
