Syed Ali Shah:
QUETTA: In a recent seminar held to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month at a local hotel in Quetta, medical experts revealed a concerning trend in Balochistan, with over 16,000 new cancer patients diagnosed each year.
Cancer claims more than 40,000 lives annually: Dr. Khan
Professor Dr. Khan Muhammad Babar, a prominent health expert, emphasized that cancer claims more than 40,000 lives annually across Pakistan, and the rising numbers of cancer patients in Balochistan, particularly breast cancer cases, are indeed alarming.
Lack of Awareness Main Reason
The underlying causes of this trend, according to Mr. Babar, include a lack of awareness and the persistence of tribal and official taboos. Medical experts highlighted that insufficient awareness and inadequate healthcare facilities in rural Balochistan are contributing to the increasing number of breast cancer patients, with the fatal disease claiming over 3,000 lives each year.
Dr. Achakzai calls for more serious efforts
Dr. Feroz Khan Achakzai, a young medical expert, emphasized the need for a more serious governmental approach to tackle the rampant issue of cancer. He pointed out that a significant number of patients are diagnosed in stage four, which is the most critical stage for any cancer patient.
Government urged to double efforts
Health experts called on both provincial and federal governments to redouble their efforts in creating awareness and saving human lives. Notably, Balochistan lacks a state-of-the-art cancer hospital, and the poorly equipped CENAR hospital is ill-equipped to handle the growing number of cancer patients. The establishment of a dedicated cancer hospital in Quetta, the provincial capital, has long been a demand of the Balochistan people.
Urgent need for comprehensive measures to address crisis
This news item underlines the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the cancer crisis in Balochistan and emphasizes the importance of creating awareness and improving healthcare infrastructure to save lives.
