For many families in Assam, a cancer diagnosis is often accompanied by fear, uncertainty, and the burden of long-distance travel for treatment. However, doctors say advances in medical science are changing what cancer means for patients today. Bringing this message of hope closer to the region, Medanta – The Medicity has conducted a cancer awareness and medical interaction programme in North Lakhimpur on 31 January, 2026, where Dr. Kunjahari Medhi, Senior Director, Medical Oncology and Haemato Oncology, Cancer Institute at Medanta, spoke about newer cancer treatments that are helping patients live longer with a better quality of life. Assam continues to report higher cancer rates than the national average, with tobacco-related cancers widely affecting men and breast and cervical cancers being common among women.
According to global estimates, nearly one in five people will develop cancer during their lifetime, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and access to advanced treatment. Speaking on the topic “Recent Advances in Medical Treatment of Cancer: Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy”, Dr. Kunjahari Medhi, Senior Director, Medical Oncology and Haemato Oncology, Cancer Institute at Medanta, said, “Immunotherapy and targeted therapy move past the broad-brush approach of conventional treatments, allowing clinicians to personalise care based on the unique biology of each tumour.” Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which affects both healthy and cancerous cells, these newer therapies allow doctors to tailor treatment to the individual patient. Dr. Medhi noted that challenges still remain with respect to immunotherapy and targeted therapy but added, “These treatments move beyond surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy and are ushering in a new era of hope—shifting cancer from a disease long linked with despair to one where long-term survival and a good quality of life are increasingly achievable.”
The programme was attended by senior members of the Indian Medical Association, including Dr. Manik Mohan Baruah, President, IMA Lakhimpur branch, and Dr. Nikhil Kakoti, Secretary, IMA Lakhimpur branch, along with local physicians. Earlier in the day, Dr. Medhi also held outpatient consultations in North Lakhimpur, enabling patients to seek expert opinions closer to home. Similar OPD consultations were conducted in Dibrugarh on February 1, extending Medanta’s outreach across Upper Assam. These initiatives follow Medanta’s recent Bhoomi Poojan ceremony in Guwahati, marking the start of construction of its upcoming 400+ bed super-specialty hospital, which is expected to significantly strengthen healthcare access in the Northeast. To further support patients and caregivers in the region, Medanta has launched a dedicated helpline for the North-eastern states: 8904395588.
