On World Cancer Day, conversations often focus on advanced treatments and specialised care. Yet, in many parts of India, the cancer journey begins much earlier, at primary health centres where early signs are first noticed, decisions are first made, and referrals can shape outcomes. In the quiet hills of Mizoram, this frontline role of primary care is becoming increasingly critical.
At Cherhlun Primary Health Centre, Dr. Zonunsangi Khiangte, Medical Officer, has seen how these challenges play out. “As a PHC doctor, one of the biggest challenges I face is limited diagnostic facilities and logistics, along with minimal exposure to cancer cases,” she says. For a long time, cancer care felt distant, something handled at higher centres, beyond the scope of primary care.
That perspective began to change after she joined the Cancer Care Bharat program.
“The program greatly broadened my understanding by providing new aspects and knowledge about cancer care that I was previously unaware of,” Dr. Khiangte explains. “It helped me see patient management from a more comprehensive and evidence-based perspective.”
One of the most impactful learnings for her was recognising clinical signs and symptoms of common cancers and understanding when referral is critical. “Learning to identify red flags early and knowing when to refer patients to higher centres has strengthened my ability to make timely decisions,” she says. “That can make all the difference for patients.”
That difference became real through one particular case she remembers vividly.
A patient came to the PHC with symptoms suggestive of carcinoma cervix. Drawing from what she had learned during the program’s sessions, Dr. Khiangte suspected malignancy and referred the patient promptly to an oncologist. “Later, during her follow-up, I learned that the early referral played a crucial role in her survival,” she recalls. “That experience reaffirmed the importance of timely suspicion and referral in saving lives.”
For Dr. Khiangte, this moment marked a shift - from uncertainty to assurance in her clinical judgement. “Recognising red flags early and referring without delay can be life-saving,” she says. Today, this principle guides her daily practice.
Beyond individual cases, the learning has reshaped how she engages with patients and the community. “I have noticed an increase in community awareness and a gradual change in health-seeking behaviour,” she shares. “I now counsel patients better, based on the insights gained from the program.” Conversations that once focused only on immediate symptoms now include discussions on risk factors, early signs, and the importance of seeking care early.
The virtual format of the program played a key role in making this learning accessible. “It has been very convenient and flexible,” she notes, allowing her to learn and interact with specialists without disrupting routine PHC duties. The impact doesn’t stop with her. “The knowledge I have gained is something I actively share with my colleagues and other health staff,” she says. “This has helped improve our collective approach to cancer screening and patient care at the primary level.”
In settings like Cherhlun, where resources are limited but trust in frontline providers runs deep, these shifts matter. Early suspicion, timely referral, and better counselling can change the trajectory of a patient’s journey, sometimes saving a life before cancer advances unnoticed.
As Dr. Khiangte’s experience shows, strengthening cancer care doesn’t always begin in tertiary hospitals. Often, it starts much earlier - with a careful ear, a trained eye, and the confidence to act at the primary care level.