KARACHI: The Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) last year treated over 5,000 urinary bladder cancer patients, 3,000 kidney cancers, 2,000 prostate cancers and more than 3,000 other cancer patients free of cost with dignity, said SIUT director Dr Adibul Hasan Rizvi on Thursday.

He was speaking at a programme held in connection with World Cancer Day at the SIUT Hanifa Suleman Dawood Oncology Centre.

The organisers said the prime aim to observe the day was to increase public awareness of cancers and highlight preventive and curative sides of the disease.

Dr Rizvi stressed the need of nationwide awareness and implementation of cancer preventive measures to check the growing menace.

He said the SIUT was one of the country’s reputed institutions providing comprehensive and modern health care facilities in fields of urology, nephrology, gastroenterology, transplantation and related cancers.

The day-long activities at the SIUT included lectures by specialists, educational videos, panel discussions and interviews with cancer survivors in addition to interactive question and answer session.

Oncologist Dr Syed Najeeb Naimatullah said general measures to reduce the risk of cancer included choosing healthy options like quitting smoking, keeping physically active and opting for healthy foods and drinks.

Patients and survivors suffering from different cancers shared their success stories and various phases of their treatment. They gave hope for the community at large by saying that with the advent of modern science and technological expertise and early interventions, cancer could be dealt with. Samia Khurram, clinical dietician, Dr Babar Malik, cancer specialist, and Dr Mansoor Rafique, radiation oncologist, also spoke.

Published in Dawn, February 5th, 2016