A diagnosis of cancer no longer carries the same outlook it once did. Advances in screening, early diagnosis and treatment have made many cancers highly treatable, particularly when detected in their early stages.

Oncologists at Gurugram-based Medanta – The Medicity, ranked India's best hospital by Newsweek in 2026, say that in Nagaland, four cancers -- cervical, stomach, oesophageal and nasopharyngeal -- continue to claim lives not because treatment has failed, but because patients are arriving too late.

Dr. Tejinder Kataria, Chairperson, Radiation Oncology at Medanta Gurugram said, “Ten years ago, a Stage 2 cancer diagnosis carried a very different prognosis than it does today. Advances in radiation therapy, coupled with targeted therapies and immunotherapy, have significantly improved outcomes. But these treatments work best when the cancer is caught early, and too many patients are still waiting months before they see a doctor. That delay is costing lives.”

She noted that many of the risk factors driving these cancers are preventable -- and that knowing what to watch for can be life-saving.

Urging people to get regular health check-ups, Dr. Sorun Shishak, Consultant, Radiation Oncology at Medanta Gurugram said, “The earlier a cancer is diagnosed, the better the chances of successful treatment. We want the people of Nagaland to know that help is available, and that consulting a doctor early makes all the difference. There is real reason for hope.”

She recommended avoiding tobacco, regularly eating fresh fruits and vegetables, moderating the consumption of smoked or preserved foods, staying physically active, and encouraged women to get the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. 

On cervical cancer, Dr. Kataria said persistent HPV infection is the most common trigger, making it one of the most preventable cancers among women. The HPV vaccine for adolescents and regular cervical screening significantly reduce the risk. Women should watch for abnormal vaginal bleeding, bleeding after intercourse, foul-smelling discharge or persistent pelvic pain.

Stomach cancer, she said, is closely linked to Helicobacter pylori bacterial infection, and is also more common among people whose diets are heavy in smoked and preserved foods, those who use tobacco, or those with a family history of the disease. Persistent indigestion, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, vomiting, stomach pain or blood in the stool are warning signs that should not be ignored.

Oesophageal cancer is more common among tobacco users, heavy drinkers and those with long-term acid reflux. Dr. Kataria said difficulty or pain while swallowing, unexplained weight loss, persistent chest discomfort or repeated choking episodes all require prompt medical attention.

Nasopharyngeal cancer, which affects the area behind the nose and above the throat, is particularly easy to miss because its early symptoms closely resemble a common infection. Persistent nasal blockage, repeated nosebleeds, hearing loss in one ear, ringing in the ears, swollen lymph nodes in the neck or persistent headaches should be evaluated by a specialist without delay.