Doctors at Medanta – The Medicity have raised concern over the growing burden of esophageal cancer in Northeast India, particularly in Nagaland, and stressed that early diagnosis can significantly improve survival chances. The Gurugram-based hospital, recently named India’s Best Hospital by Newsweek in 2026, said lifestyle habits such as tobacco consumption, chewing betel nut (supari), and unhealthy dietary patterns are contributing to the rise in cases across the region. Specialists noted that many patients continue to seek treatment only after the disease reaches an advanced stage, as early symptoms are often mistaken for acidity or throat irritation.
Dr. Rajesh Puri, Vice Chairman, Interventional Gastroenterology at Medanta Gurugram, said symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, chest discomfort, persistent cough, vomiting, regurgitation, and hoarseness should not be ignored if they persist for weeks. He said early diagnosis allows treatment to begin when the disease is still curable. Doctors highlighted Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy as the most effective screening tool for early detection. Dr. Hitesh Panchal, Associate Consultant, Gastroenterology, said timely screening can improve survival rates and lead to simpler treatment and faster recovery. He also urged people to avoid tobacco and betel nut and consume more fresh fruits and vegetables.
The development is expected to strengthen healthcare awareness in Dimapur, where demand for advanced cancer screening and specialty consultation services has been steadily increasing. Health experts believe improved access to specialist care and multilingual helpline support could encourage more residents to seek early diagnosis and preventive healthcare. Medanta has also signed an MoU with the Government of Nagaland for accreditation under the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS) and partnered with IDAN to promote public health awareness. Residents can consult Dr. Panchal in Dimapur on May 15 and 16. A dedicated Northeast helpline has also been launched to assist patients in Assamese, Bengali, Nagamese, English and Hindi.
