In 2009, Ralte Lalramengzami was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. Two years later, she set up the Mizoram Cancer Care Foundation in Aizawl. The foundation envisages providing both practical and emotional support to cancer patients, caregivers and survivors.
According to Ralte, the foundation influenced the state government to secure subsidised accommodation and ambulance support for the state’s cancer patients who go to Mumbai for treatment
The organisation has brought out several brochures and published two books inspiring spiritual and mental strength. It has a counseling centre that houses patients and attendants who come from remote areas to urban hospitals for treatment.
Since inception, the body has also been allotting a bereavement amount of Rs 2,000 for the families of deceased cancer patients.
“Preventive care for cancer is vital. Therefore, the Mizoram Cancer Care Foundation has been reiterating the need for the government to set up diagnostic centres for routine checkups in remote areas. A beginning has been made,” says Ralte.
North East not only has the highest incidence of cancer in India but also burdened by higher prevalence of risk factors and inadequate cancer treatment facilities. According to a research, Aizawl district in Mizoram has the highest incidence of cancer in men while among women it was the highest in Papumpare district of Arunachal Pradesh.
Aizawl also had the highest incidence of breast cancer in women and stomach cancer in men. Lung cancer and cervical cancer cases were highest in Mizoram while gall bladder cancer incidence in men and women were highest in Assam.
