Pindi to have country’s first eye cancer centre
PHOTO: AFP / FILE
To deal with the growing threat of eye cancer in the country, the Al-Shifa Trust has decided to establish a first centre to deal with eye cancer cases, said Al-Shifa Trust President Major Gen. (retd) Rehmat Khan.
He was speaking at a childhood cancer awareness seminar held on Wednesday.
The situation calls for early detection, diagnosis and proper treatment, he added. Khan said eye cancer is increasing in Pakistan and there is a need for early detection, diagnosis and proper treatment of the disease.
Sharing details of the centre, he said that apart from providing cancer surgical services, the nation’s first centre will offer all forms of cancer treatment through chemotherapy, radiation, rehabilitation and genetic counselling under one roof.
Almost 30 percent of eye cancer patients are children which is a mounting threat, said Khan, adding that the disease needed a proper response as they were country’s future.
Khan informed that audience that annually 2,200 people are diagnosed with eye cancer and the number is growing because of lack of awareness.
He said that the trust had established a Cancer Eye Clinic to help needy people, which improved the situation but it was not sufficient, therefore they have decided to set up a full-fledged center to serve the masses
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Timely detection could save sight as the problem gets complicated if treatment was delayed and it may cause vision loss, loss of the eye or may prove fatal, he said, adding that in most cases patients were usually brought to hospital in the last stage cancer.
Consultant and HOD of Orbit and Oculoplastic Department at Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Dr Tayyab Afghani highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and screening and called upon the national and international stakeholders to make a comprehensive national plan for the prevention and control of cancers.
Dr Afghani said that some tumours are incurable, while others may disfigure the eyes. Eye injuries because of accidents need plastic surgery in many cases, but eye problems owing to cancer need more time.
Dr Afghani also demanded an appropriate mechanism for social protection and financial support for cancer patients and their families.
A large number of people, including policymakers, public health consultants, patients, parents and officials from the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation attended the seminar.
Al-Shifa celebrated the month of September as childhood cancer awareness month, like elsewhere in the world.
Many activities, including regular streaming of public health messages on social media, children's puppet shows and public awareness campaigns, were organised at the hospital.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 30th, 2021.