Nagaland faces the prospect of a growing burden of oral and head-and-neck cancers in the coming years unless preventive, screening and early-detection measures are strengthened, Commissioner & Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Kevilenuo Angami said.

According to a DIPR update, Angami was speaking as Special Guest at the inaugural session of the Annual State Review Meeting of the National Oral Health Programme (NOHP) cum Oral Cancer Screening Orientation and Hands-on Training Programme, held at the Auditorium Hall of Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK).

The two-day programme, being held on September 10 and 11, has been organised by the Dr K & T Keditsu Foundation in collaboration with the Dental Department, NHAK and Department of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland, with support from TANUH–AI Centre of Excellence, Department of Electrical Communication Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Biocon Foundation and Foundation of Head & Neck Oncology.

Highlighting the importance of oral healthcare, Angami said oral health is an integral part of general health but remains relatively neglected in the State. Despite the need for comprehensive strategies to prevent and manage dental caries, periodontal diseases and oral cancer, significant gaps persist in awareness, prevention, early detection and treatment.

She expressed particular concern over the rising incidence of oral cancer and identified tobacco consumption, especially smokeless tobacco, betel-quid chewing, excessive alcohol consumption, poor oral hygiene and persistent viral infections including Human Papillomavirus (HPV) as major risk factors.

Citing the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS-2), Angami said a substantial proportion of adults use tobacco, while the prevalence among young people is also a serious concern. The Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS), 2019, reported a high prevalence of tobacco use among children aged 13–15 years.

She cautioned that, coupled with the existing burden of head and neck cancers and other malignancies, the State’s healthcare system could face an increasingly overwhelming cancer burden over the next 10–15 years unless preventive and promotive measures are undertaken on a “war footing”.

Angami called for a comprehensive approach covering awareness, prevention, screening, early detection, accurate diagnosis, timely referral and appropriate treatment. She particularly stressed the need for Dental Surgeons posted at health facilities across the State to acquire thorough knowledge of diagnostic and biopsy procedures.

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“Early and accurate diagnosis is an essential component of dental healthcare,” she said, urging Dental Surgeons to make full use of the hands-on training to strengthen their diagnostic capabilities.

Angami expressed appreciation to the Dr K & T Keditsu Foundation, particularly Dr Keduovinuo and the team, for providing resources and support to enhance the knowledge and skills of Dental Surgeons in performing biopsy procedures at their respective health units.

She said collaboration between the healthcare system and committed partners was crucial for strengthening professional capacity and ultimately improving patient care.

Angami urged Dental Surgeons to actively participate in the training, exchange experiences and carry the knowledge and skills gained back to their respective health facilities. Strengthening diagnostic capabilities, she said, would contribute significantly to early detection, timely intervention, appropriate referral and better patient outcomes.

The programme began with an invocation by Additional Director (Dental) Dr Reyosalu Lase, followed by a welcome address by Managing Director, NHAK, Dr Ruutuou Sorhie. Special remarks were delivered by Principal Director Dr Keveduyi Theyo, Director (Dental) Dr I Arenla Walling and Managing Trustee, Dr K&T Keditsu Foundation, Dr Toshevi Keditsu Sema.

The programme was chaired by Senior Dental Surgeon, NHAK, Dr Neingutunuo Angami, while Deputy Director (Dental) and SNO (NTCP), Dr I Simon Sumi, proposed the vote of thanks.