Today, World Cancer Prevention Day is being observed in Pakistan and around the world with the aim of raising public awareness about this deadly disease. According to the World Health Organization, cancer has become the fastest growing disease globally and this complex illness can occur due to various factors.
There are 36 types of cancer and its main causes include increasing age along with smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity and air pollution. In Pakistan, more than 190,000 new cancer cases are reported every year, of which 70 percent of patients lose their lives due to lack of timely treatment.
Among men, cancers of the mouth, liver, colon, lungs and prostate are common, while breast cancer is most prevalent among women. Ovarian, oral, cervical and colon cancers are also increasing. Blood cancer is more common among children and bone cancer is being seen more in teenagers. The use of tobacco, pan, gutka, chalia, naswar, junk food and lack of exercise are also contributing to the rise in cancer cases.
Oncologist Professor Abbas Khokhar said that due to late diagnosis and treatment, 120,000 people die from cancer in Pakistan every year.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari issued messages on World Cancer Day stating that cancer is one of the leading causes of death and its prevention and control will be made a national priority.
President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirmed his commitment to continuing efforts against cancer and said that it is important to understand the seriousness of this disease in Pakistan.
In his message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that they reaffirm their commitment to raising awareness against cancer. He said that cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide and that Pakistan has made significant progress in cancer research, treatment and patient care.
Shehbaz Sharif said that timely diagnosis, effective treatment and regular exercise can help prevent this disease and that early detection is essential for successful cancer treatment. He called upon the public to take active steps toward a cancer free future.
