Guwahati: The North-East Community Awareness Plenary(NECAP) on Cancer & Autism, brought together medical experts, caregivers, educators, and community members on February 23 at Tezpur College for an insightful exchange of knowledge and experiences.
Organized by Viswapragna Foundation in collaboration with Tezpur College, Darrang College, Indian Society of Medical and Pediatric Oncology (ISMPO), and Indian Society of Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ISCCP), the event aimed to challenge misconceptions, promote scientific understanding, and strengthen community support networks for cancer patients and individuals with autism.
The plenary featured discussions led by renowned oncologists, geneticists, biotechnologists, child psychiatrists, psychologists, and social contributors, who addressed pressing concerns related to cancer treatment, autism awareness, and the role of evidence-based approaches in healthcare.
Through interactive sessions and Q&A forums, NECAP 2025 provided a platform for the public to gain clarity on widely misunderstood topics.
The oncology sessions focused on prevention, treatment challenges, and the need for early diagnosis.
Dr. Raghunadha Rao Digumarti (B.C. Roy Awardee, Medical Oncologist) tackled misconceptions about diet and cancer, addressing common myths around sugar and alkaline water.
Dr. Leela Digumarti (President, ISCCP) discussed the importance of HPV vaccination and its role in preventing cervical and other cancers.
Dr. Ghanashyam Biswas (Sparsh Group of Hospitals) emphasized the necessity of biopsies and medical scans, dispelling fears that they may spread cancer.
Dr. Govind Babu K (Former Head, Kidwai Memorial Hospital) explored the causes of cancer recurrence and strategies for long-term management.
Dr. Sujit Kumar Mullapally (Apollo Chennai) highlighted the significance of palliative care, underscoring the need to improve both the quality of life and end-of-life care for patients.
These sessions were chaired by prominent oncologists from Guwahati such as Dr. Chidananda Bhuyan, Dr. Naresh Jadhav, Dr. Rajiv Paul, and faculty from Tezpur University, Tezpur College, and Darrang College. People from all walks of life attended the sessions, including those undergoing treatment, family members of cancer-afflicted individuals, and social activists. Students played a major role in participation, making the event interactive and engaging.
The autism awareness track provided parents, educators, and caregivers with practical tools to support autistic children and promote acceptance in society.
Dr. Naresh Kalakota (NIMHANS) and Dr. Nikita Bhat guided attendees on recognizing early signs of autism and the importance of timely intervention.
Dr. Siddeswara B.L. (LGBRIMH) addressed the challenges of managing comorbidities in autistic children, offering expert insights into behavioral interventions.
Dr. Priyadarshee Abhishek (LGBRIMH) shared effective home strategies for parents and caregivers, focusing on communication and skill-building.
A significant highlight of NECAP 2025 was the unveiling of the Community Awareness and Action Group (CAAG), a dedicated forum designed to ensure the continuity of the conference’s impact.
This group comprises oncologists, counselors, financial advisors, legal experts, social activists, teachers, cancer patients, and their families, all working together to support newly diagnosed cancer patients through guidance, awareness, and advocacy.
In addition to providing emotional and informational support, CAAG will actively engage in cancer screening, prevention, and early diagnosis initiatives, furthering its mission of community-driven healthcare and intervention.
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One of the most defining aspects of NECAP 2025 was its community-driven approach, allowing attendees to interact directly with experts, ask questions, and share personal experiences. The discussions underscored the importance of scientific knowledge, early intervention, and collective efforts in addressing cancer and autism-related challenges.
