Find cancer before it catches you: Dr Azra

Oncologist stresses on early detection, argues against drug tests on animals

KARACHI:

Catch cancer before it catches you, said renowned oncologist Dr Azra Raza at the eighth Yohsin Lecture Series programme at Habib University on Friday.

Keynote speaker Dr Azra Raza's ground-breaking ideas, as outlined in the bestselling book "The First Cell: And the human costs of pursuing cancer to the last," advocate for a paradigm shift in cancer treatment from eradicating every cancer cell to early prevention.

Delving into her groundbreaking theory on cancer diagnosis from her book "The First Cell: And the Human Costs of Pursuing Cancer to the Last," Dr Raza underscored the primacy of timely diagnosis over treatment.

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She started her lecture with a blend of poetry and science, gradually elaborating the challenges posed by cancer and proposed potential solutions.

She explained in detail the stress-induced cellular responses, including morphed DNA copies that could lead to the genesis of cancer cells.

Post-lecture Dr. Azra Raza shared her sentiments with the media, expressing joy at returning to her alma mater. Dr. Raza asserted that advancements in treating human cancer necessitate a dedicated focus on human samples rather than animal studies. Habib University President, Dr  Wasif Rizvi, also addressed the ceremony.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 2^nd, 2023.