Unveiling cancer concerns: data gap, growing cases

Mouth and lung cancer prevalence a cause for concern, warn experts

KARACHI:

Medical professionals have highlighted a concerning lack of cancer patient data in Pakistan, shedding light on the prevalence of mouth and lung cancer cases in the country. Professor Adnan Abdul Jabbar, Head of the Oncology Department at Ziauddin Hospital, and Abdul Rashid from Aga Khan Hospital shared their insights during a press conference on lung cancer at the Karachi Press Club.

Professor Adnan Abdul Jabbar pointed out the unfortunate absence of accurate cancer statistics in Pakistan, which he deemed tragic. He emphasised that many individuals suffer from mouth, throat, and lung cancer annually. The absence of accessible cancer treatment in government hospitals, coupled with the high costs of cancer medications, leads to incomplete patient care. Patients are often deprived of radiation facilities in government hospitals, while those in private facilities face financial constraints.

Dr Yasmin Abdul Rashid added to the conversation, discussing the alarming toll of various cancers, including breast and lung cancer, in Pakistan. In men, the extensive use of mava, gutka, and chalia contributes to mouth and throat cancer in approximately 90% of cases. Moreover, liver disease and hepatitis are on the rise. Lung cancer, responsible for 85% of cases, is closely linked to smoking. Using shisha, vaping, and electronic cigarettes poses equal threats to health as conventional cigarettes.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 22^nd, 2023.