ISLAMABAD: With World Cancer Day being observed on Sunday (today), the lastest figure shows that in Pakistan, there are approximately 4.1 million prevalent cancer cases.
Out of the prevalent cases, 4.1 million cases, 1.7 million are males and 2.4 million female.
According to the Burden of Disease (BOD) data for Pakistan, 2.7 million cases are reported every year.
“Cancer poses an emerging and potentially significant health burden in Pakistan. With epidemiological transition in Pakistan, it is expected that this cancer burden will increase in times to come due to rising life expectancy, aging of the population and adopting behaviours and lifestyle factors that leads to cancer,” interim Health Minister Dr Nadeem Jan told Dawn.
Data shows every year, 2.7 million new patients surface
He said an increased frequency of cancers of breast, lip and oral cavity, lung, lymphoma, colorectal, cervix uteri, esophagus and bladder were experienced in Pakistan.
“Top prevalent cancer cases among female population are ‘breast cancer’ with 364,000 cases, followed by 44,000 cases of ovarian cancer and 17,500 cases of cervical cancer.
“Top prevalent cancer cases among male population are lip and oral cavity cancer with 46,500 cases, followed by 45,000 cases of larynx and lung cancers, 28,000 cases on prostate cancer and 19,600 cases on colon and rectal cancer. Every year, around 180,000 deaths occur as a result of cancers (88,000 of males and 91,500 of females),” he said.
The minister said women between40-50 years of age, unmarried, smoking (current or ever), low physical activity and with post-menopausal status were vulnerable to breast cancer.
“Oral cancer is quite frequent in people who use chewable and non-chewable tobacco, areca nut, betel leaf, poor dental hygiene practices, oncogenic viral infections and genetic predispositions,” the minister said.
He said establishing a functional cancer registry was also a priority for evidence-informed policy and programmatic reforms in the area of cancer.
“The efforts initially require establishing a small working group led by the government and with the participation of cancer, public health and other experts to develop a feasible and realistic cancer prevention strategy based on the best evidence available.
“Once developed this document will be shared with all stakeholders across the country from the public and private sectors as well as development partners to build consensus. It will then be presented to the Inter-Ministerial Health and Population Council for endorsement,” Dr Jan said.
Pakistan National Heart Association Secretary GeneralSanullah Ghumman, while talking to Dawn, said annually 10 million deaths were associated with cancer globally.
“In Pakistan situation is the same. Non-communicable diseases claim the lives of almost 2,100 people daily, with cancer being significant factor in this statistic. These deaths not only cause a social loss for families but it also adds to an economic loss of the country as these individuals are unable to contribute to economic activities. It is imperative for Pakistan that it must confront a pressing health issue that often goes unnoticed-the link between cancer and the consumption of unhealthy foods. In recent years, the rise in cancer has been alarming, with lifestyle factors playing a significant role in the concerning trend,” he said.
“Among these factors, the excessive consumption of sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods has emerged as a silent culprit, contributing to the growing cancer burden in the country. Studies have consistently shown a direct correlation between a diet high in sugar and ultra-processed foods and an increased list of developing various types of cancer. Pakistan has witnessed a surge in the availability and consumption of such products, often leading to detrimental health outcomes,” Mr Ghumman said.
“On World Cancer Day, let us unite in the fight against this pervasive disease by addressing one of its preventive causes.
“The government of Pakistan must take decisive action to create an environment that fosters healthier food choices, safeguarding the well-being of its citizens and working towards a future free from the burden of preventable cancers,” he added.
Published in Dawn, February 4th, 2024
