Rawalpindi:The number of cases of almost all types of cancers being reported at healthcare facilities in the country is registering a continuous increase for the last few years though it is unclear whether the increase in reporting of cases is due to greater incidences of cancers, awareness among the public or because of greater number of screening of patients.
An estimated 125,000 people die of various types of cancers every year in Pakistan while over 185000 new cancer cases are reported every year in the country adding up to the existing pool of millions of cancer patients.
World Cancer Day is observed on February 4 around the globe every year and according to health experts, it provides an opportunity to all stakeholders to create sufficient awareness among the public about cancer prevention, screening and early detection that can minimise the losses to a significant extent.
Experts say that to control the rapid increase in cancer incidences, there is a need to run public awareness campaigns on regular basis and to minimise losses, the government should establish at least screening facilities in all tehsils or major towns of the country. Inadequate healthcare infrastructure, limited access to proper healthcare services, a shortage of oncologists and limited number of healthcare facilities offering treatment and management services to cancer patients are adding miseries to the lives of patients. It is a proven fact that management and treatment of cancer in Pakistan is not affordable for a significant proportion of the population.
Experts say that cases of all types of cancers are on the rise in the country but top of the list is breast cancer with 16.5 per cent of cases followed by lip and oral cavity cancers, 8.6 per cent and lung cancer, 5.1 per cent along with cancer cases of large intestine, stomach, liver and blood cancer.
Experts say that tobacco use, pan, ‘chalia’, alcohol use, physical inactivity, being overweight and obese, exposure to occupational for example asbestos carcinogens, radiation including ultraviolet and ionizing radiation, excessive X-Rays, low fruit and vegetable intake, high fat diet, genetic factors, having unsafe sex, infections from hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, human papilloma viruses, Helicobacter pylori, urban air pollution and indoor smoke from household use of solid fuels are major risk factors for cancer development.
Experts say that in the existing situation, prevention is the best option. People should avoid tobacco use and smoking and patients with hepatitis C should get treatment as early as possible. Women should get vaccinated against human papilloma virus (HPV) and individuals should get hepatitis B virus vaccination (HBV) that will prevent cervical and liver cancers respectively.
Studies reveal that the cancer’s seven key early warning signs (CAUTION) are change in bowel or bladder habit, a sore that does not heal, unusual bleeding or discharge, thickening or lump in breast or elsewhere, indigestion or difficulty in swallowing, obvious change in wart or mole and nagging cough or hoarseness. Experts say that people must watch for these symptoms. Cancer is the uncontrolled growth and spread of cells. It can affect almost any part of the body. The growth often invades surrounding tissues and can metastasize to distant sites.
