'Paan, gutka driving mouth cancer rise among youth'

Early detection can make treatment quicker, less complicated: experts

KARACHI:

Health experts have warned that the use of tobacco products—such as betel leaf (paan), cigarettes, gutka and naswar—is contributing to a rising incidence of oesophageal cancer, particularly among youth.

Speaking at an awareness session held at Dow Medical College, experts said the disease is often diagnosed at a late stage, despite the fact that early detection can make treatment quicker and less complicated. In its initial stages, oesophageal cancer can even be treated through endoscopy. They urged the public to seek immediate medical attention, rather than relying on home remedies, if they experience difficulty in swallowing.

They also revealed that a 10-year-old child was recently diagnosed with oesophageal cancer at Civil Hospital Karachi, highlighting the growing concern.

The session was organised by Dow University of Health Sciences in collaboration with the Upper GI and Bariatric Unit of Civil Hospital Karachi, marking the successful completion of more than 250 laparoscopic and over 70 robotic cancer surgeries.

Participants noted that the unit had emerged as a leading centre in Pakistan, offering advanced surgical care with the support of the Sindh Health Department.

April is being observed globally as Oesophageal Cancer Awareness Month.

An awareness walk was also held, with doctors, students, faculty members and cancer survivors participating. Speakers emphasised the importance of early diagnosis, public awareness and stricter legislation to curb the widespread use of harmful tobacco products.