Patna: A report tabled at a cancer review meeting has found oral cancer to be the most common cancer in Bihar. Of the total confirmed cancer cases, 43.5 % were oral cancer, while breast cancer accounted for 27.2 %, cervical cancer 15.2 % and other cancers 14.1 %. The study also revealed that more than around 50 % of patients with mouth, tongue and lip cancer reached hospitals at advanced stages (Stage III/IV), underscoring the need for timely screening.This report was presented during a high-level review meeting chaired by health minister Nishant Kumar on Wednesday to improve early identification and treatment of cancer.The report was based on a study of 1,293 participants screened at 38 cancer day-care screening centres across the state. Among them, 519 were confirmed cancer patients, 344 had pre-cancer conditions and 430 were found healthy. Experts stated that the study found a strong link between tobacco consumption and cancer. About 60.2 % of cancer and pre-cancer patients were found to be tobacco users, while this figure was 30.2 % in the healthy group. In particular, smokeless tobacco products such as khaini, gutka and zarda, as well as smoking, emerged as major causes of oral cancer.Nishant directed officials to strengthen screening for oral, breast and cervical cancer across the state, with a focus on regular screening among youth. He also directed officials to make the tobacco control and cancer awareness campaign more effective, including programmes in schools and colleges on the harmful effects of tobacco. Officials said steps such as promoting a balanced diet, regular exercise, healthy living practices and periodic screening could reduce cancer risk.It was stated in the meeting that chemotherapy facilities are currently available in 17 districts of the state. Officials said biopsy facilities are also being expanded for early confirmation of cancer, to enable early confirmation of cancer and faster initiation of treatment. The meeting also held a detailed discussion on the proposal to establish super speciality radiotherapy units in Bhagalpur, Patna, Muzaffarpur, Gaya and Darbhanga.Officials also shared screening outcomes for 2025-26. During oral cancer screening of 1,10,25,474 people, 25,637 patients were identified, with 97.5% under treatment. In breast cancer screening of 41,77,894 women, 1,711 patients were identified. In cervical cancer screening of 15,75,002 women, 2,442 patients were identified, with treatment started for 98.2% and 95.8% of patients respectively.Similarly till June this financial year, treatment of nearly 97% detected cases have begun.
