In the ongoing nationwide mass screening of gastric cancer in Monggar and Bumthang, more than 500 people are found to have Helicobacter Pylori or H. Pylori infection. H. Pylori infection is one of the main causes of gastric cancer. It is commonly transmitted from person to person by saliva. The bacteria can also be spread by faecal contamination or food or water.
In Bumthang alone, about 60 per cent of the people were detected with H. Pylori infection. More than a thousand people were screened in the two districts so far.
“Till now we have screened 1,000 people. Out of which 26 biopsies suspected of gastric cancer were sent to the National referral hospital for confirmation. We conduct endoscopy even for those who do not have pain. Many are not aware of the disease. Some of them are scared to take an endoscopy. A few people have spread misinformation regarding the process of endoscopy telling how scary it is to put a huge pipe inside. And because of this, even those suffering from stomach pain do not come forward,” said Dr Sonam Jamtsho, a Surgeon in Bumthang.
The nationwide mass screening commenced from Monggar in March this year. The screening is part of the health flagship programme which will be completed within three years.
“This is very beneficial as there are many people from remote areas who cannot afford to go to Monggar. But since the service is made available in Gyalposhing, we are grateful that we don’t have to go all the way to Monggar. Otherwise, we have to travel 30 kilometres which is quite expensive,” said Sonam Wangdi, a Teacher in Gyalposhing Higher Secondary School.
“I have been suffering from stomachache for almost two years now. Sometimes I feel pain and sometimes it feels like it’s getting better. If this kind of screening is not done then we don’t know the problems inside our bodies. The health officials have taken initiatives to come to Gyalposhing for screening and I must say it has helped us a lot,” added Tsheten Dorji a Resident of Gyalposhing.
The next screening will be conducted in Trongsa and Trashi Yangtse for their high prevalence of gastric cancer. Gastric cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the country.
Kelzang Choden/Sonam Tshering/Kipchu
