Head and neck cancers have quietly emerged as one of Pakistan’s most critical public health challenges. While globally these cancers are the seventh most common, in Pakistan, they rank second only to breast cancer. This alarming reality demands immediate attention.
What makes the situation even more distressing is that a large number of cases affect the oral cavity and lips; areas where prevention is entirely possible. These account for over 12% of male cancers and 5% of female cancers in the country. According to global data, nearly 16,000 Pakistanis were diagnosed with head and neck cancer in 2022, and more than 10,000 lives were lost to the disease.
The root of the problem is well-known: smokeless tobacco products such as gutka, paan and naswar, as well as areca nut (chhaalia). These substances are cheap, readily available and commonly consumed. Often introduced to young people as harmless, they can lead to lifelong addiction with deadly consequences. In Karachi alone, more than 30% of adults use such products, a staggering figure that cannot be ignored.
Unfortunately, the early symptoms of head and neck cancer — such as persistent mouth ulcers, difficulty swallowing, voice changes or unexplained lumps in the neck — are often overlooked. As a result, many patients only seek medical attention when the disease has already reached an advanced stage, making treatment more complex and outcomes less favourable. Yet, with early detection, survival rates can significantly improve, and patients are more likely to maintain a better quality of life.
This is not just a medical issue, it’s a community crisis. Families, educators, health professionals, media and policymakers must work together to raise awareness, discourage harmful habits and promote timely medical help. Public understanding and access to care must improve to prevent treatable conditions from becoming deadly.
With collective action, we can save lives, reduce the burden of disease and protect future generations from this silent epidemic.
Dr Waqas Ahmed Khan
AKUH, Karachi
