Nagaland faces a growing NCD burden, with cancer, hypertension, diabetes and tobacco use raising concerns over public health
DIMAPUR — Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have emerged as a major public health challenge in Nagaland, with cancer, hypertension and diabetes placing a growing burden on the state’s healthcare system.
The issue assumes added significance ahead of World Patient Safety Day on September 17, which this year focuses on “Safe care for noncommunicable diseases” under the slogan “Safe care for life”.
NCDs include cardiovascular diseases, stroke, diabetes, hypertension, cancers, chronic kidney disease and chronic respiratory conditions. Unlike many infectious diseases, these conditions often require long-term monitoring, medication and lifestyle changes, making early detection and continuity of care crucial.
Dr. Asunu Thong, State Programme Officer for the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), told Eastern Mirror that Nagaland was witnessing a significant burden of NCDs, with hypertension and diabetes among the conditions requiring sustained attention.
Data cited in the discussion—National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6)—showed hypertension affecting a substantial proportion of adults in Nagaland, while about one in 10 adults was reported to have high blood sugar or diabetes.
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The cancer burden presents another major concern.
Behavioural & environmental factors | Biological risk factors |
Tobacco use — smoking and smokeless |
Alcohol use | Raised blood pressure |
Unhealthy diets | Raised blood sugar |
Insufficient physical activity | Raised total cholesterol/lipids |
Indoor and outdoor air pollution |
Other factors: Stress • Hereditary factors
Source: NP-NCD Nagaland
Note: These are major risk factors associated with NCDs; they are not presented as one-to-one causal relationships.
The ICMR-National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (NCDIR), in its Profile of Cancer and Related Health Indicators in the North East Region of India – 2021, identified cancer among the top five leading causes of death in Nagaland. The report also identified nasopharyngeal cancer as the leading cancer site among men in the state.
According to the cancer data cited for Nagaland, the incidence of nasopharyngeal cancer is reported to be approximately 21 times that of Delhi among men and 34 times among women.
However, the figures need to be interpreted in the context of cancer-registry coverage. NCDIR notes that Nagaland has a single population-based cancer registry whose incidence rate is used as an estimate for the state, and cautions that such estimates should be interpreted carefully because of limitations in population coverage.
Dr. Moatoshi, Medical Superintendent and Chief Pathologist at Eden Medical Centre, said nasopharyngeal cancer was associated with multiple factors, including Epstein-Barr virus infection, genetic predisposition and environmental influences.
He explained that the disease could be difficult to detect in its early stages because symptoms may not always be obvious.
In Nagaland, nasopharyngeal cancer accounts for a significant share of cancers reported among men, followed by cancers of the stomach and oesophagus, while cervical, breast and stomach cancers are prominent among women.
Dr. Moatoshi stressed the importance of early diagnosis, stating that cancers can be treated successfully when detected at an early stage. However, many patients seek medical attention only after the disease has progressed to an advanced stage.
Tobacco use continues to be a significant risk factor in the state. The data discussed indicated that 43.3% of the population are current tobacco users, with smokeless tobacco accounting for a particularly large share. Tobacco-related cancers also constitute a substantial proportion of cancers among men.
The NCDIR report similarly noted that current tobacco use was present in nearly half of Nagaland’s population.
Health authorities have been strengthening screening and treatment services for NCDs through district hospitals, community health centres, primary health centres and health and wellness centres.
Government facilities provide screening and early diagnosis for hypertension, diabetes and common cancers, including oral, breast and cervical cancers. Dr. Asunu said that patients diagnosed with hypertension or diabetes can also access medicines and counselling through the public health system.
Telemedicine services through e-Sanjeevani have been made available to improve access to consultation, particularly for people who face difficulties travelling for healthcare.
Dialysis services under the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme are also available in government facilities in Kohima, Dimapur, Mokokchung, Mon, Zunheboto and Phek.
Health officials have stressed the importance of regular health checks, adherence to prescribed medication, a balanced diet, physical activity and avoidance of tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption.
For NCDs, they said, patient safety extends beyond treatment at a hospital and includes early detection, correct diagnosis, uninterrupted medication, follow-up care and support from caregivers.
With NCDs often developing gradually and remaining undetected for years, health workers have urged people not to wait for severe symptoms before seeking medical attention.
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