The Hindu: Published on 14th Jan 2025:
Why in News?
A recent study published in October 2024 in the Indian Journal of Medical Research highlights how cultural beliefs and superstitions contribute to delays in cancer diagnosis and treatment in Meghalaya.
The study reveals barriers like misconceptions, stigma, and reliance on traditional healing practices, which hinder effective cancer care.
Meghalaya and the Northeast region have one of the highest cancer incidences in India, making this issue significant.
Key Findings from the Study:
Low Awareness: Limited knowledge about signs, symptoms, and risk factors of cancer leads to delayed detection and poor survival rates.
Cultural Beliefs: Concepts like “bih” (taint) and “skai” (evil eye) are believed to cause cancer. Fatalistic attitudes discourage early medical intervention.
Stigma and Hesitation: Social stigma, embarrassment, and fear of disclosure prevent patients from seeking timely medical care.
Traditional Practices: Preference for traditional healers and herbal remedies delays proper treatment.
Health System-Related Barriers:
Limited Screening Programs: A lack of robust cancer-screening initiatives reduces early detection rates.
Overburdened Health Infrastructure: Dependence on single hospitals for treatment highlights systemic challenges in healthcare accessibility.
Awareness Gap: Cancer awareness campaigns have been less impactful compared to initiatives for other diseases like HIV/AIDS.
Socio-Cultural Dynamics:
The Khasi and Garo communities’ beliefs about illness (e.g., “bih” and “skai”) influence health-seeking behaviors.
Fatalism and misconceptions like “radiation will cook patients” worsen treatment delays.
Gender-based stigma affects women with cancers like breast and cervical cancer more severely.
Statistical Context:
India reported 14.61 lakh cancer cases in 2022, with Meghalaya and other Northeastern states having the highest incidence.
The study highlights oesophageal cancer as the leading type in both men and women, linked to lifestyle factors like tobacco and alcohol consumption, as well as dietary habits.
Efforts and Recommendations:
Government Initiatives: The Meghalaya Cancer Prevention Mission aims to enhance early detection and increase awareness.
Technological Integration: Use of virtual reality tools to address fears and misconceptions about cancer.
Culturally Tailored Messaging: Education campaigns using local communication channels to counter superstitions and stigma.
Capacity Building: Training healthcare workers in early diagnosis and cancer care.
Community Collaboration: Engaging local leaders and influencers to promote scientific understanding of cancer.
Implications:
Healthcare Policy: The findings stress the need for policy interventions targeting remote and tribal areas.
Behavioral Change: Long-term efforts are required to shift deep-rooted cultural beliefs and encourage timely health-seeking behavior.
Global Relevance: The study serves as a case for understanding how cultural contexts influence public health challenges in indigenous populations worldwide.
Limitations of the Study:
Conducted in a single government hospital, limiting the generalizability of findings.
Perspectives might have been influenced by the pandemic’s healthcare focus during the research period.
Conclusion:
The study sheds light on the complex interplay between cultural beliefs, health awareness, and systemic challenges in cancer care in Meghalaya. Addressing these barriers requires multi-pronged strategies, integrating cultural sensitivity, education, and infrastructural improvements to achieve better outcomes in cancer treatment and prevention.