In the mosaic of Pakistani culture, the fight against cancer takes precedence, urging a shift from treatment to prevention. The essence of cultivating health in the Pakistani context lies in crafting strategies that align with our distinctive lifestyle, championing mindful choices, and nurturing a culture of holistic well-being.
In 2022, Pakistani healthcare facilities diagnosed or treated 8,284 new neoplasms, with 57.4% affecting males. Among these, 89.1% occurred in adults, emphasizing the substantial impact of cancer on the population. The World Cancer Day theme, “Close the Care Gap” (2022-2024), underscores the urgency of addressing inequalities in cancer care.
Globocan 2020 highlights breast and oral cavity cancers as prevalent in women and men, respectively, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s cancer mortality rates. The World Health Organization emphasizes that 30-50% of cancers are preventable, stressing the importance of early detection through screening for better chances of cure and debunking the misconception that cancer is invariably fatal.
Free radicals and oxidants play a dual role as both toxic and beneficial compounds, since they can be either harmful or helpful to the body. They are produced either from normal cell metabolism in situ or from external sources (pollution, cigarette smoke, radiation, medication).
When an overload of free radicals cannot gradually be destroyed, their accumulation in the body generates a phenomenon called oxidative stress. This process plays a major part in the development of chronic and degenerative illnesses such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, aging, cataract, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.
The human body has several mechanisms to counteract oxidative stress by producing antioxidants, which are either naturally produced in situ or externally supplied through foods and/or supplements. The Pakistani heritage advocates for a wholesome culinary tradition rooted in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, crucial for combating cancer. Collective efforts are needed to tackle the perilous tobacco habit, promoting active lifestyles.
Effective prevention involves community-centric strategies communicated in local languages, emphasizing early detection through routine check-ups and accessible mobile clinics. Strengthening local healthcare infrastructure empowers communities to resiliently face cancer challenges. Establishing support groups, engaging local leaders, and integrating health into community activities fosters a culture where health is a collective responsibility.
Adopting healthy habits, like regular exercise, a balanced lifestyle, and avoiding carcinogens, plays a pivotal role in cancer prevention. Epigenetics unravels how environmental factors impact gene activity, revealing the intricate interplay between nature and nurture in shaping biology. Epigenetics controls how the genome is regulated without changing the DNA code. It can turn specific genes on or off, and even control the structure of the genome.
There are many types of epigenetic modifications, and most of them are transient and reversible, allowing us to adapt to our environment. The epigenome can also have a considerable impact on health and is linked to diseases such as cancer and rare conditions such as Prader-Willi syndrome. Modern drugs can target specific epigenetic modifications to manage and treat some diseases more effectively.
Whole-person care plays a pivotal role in cancer prevention by addressing not only the physical aspects but also considering mental, emotional, and social well-being. By promoting healthy lifestyle choices, fostering mental resilience, and addressing social determinants of health, whole-person care empowers individuals to proactively manage their health.
This comprehensive approach recognizes that factors beyond biology influence cancer risk, emphasizing preventive measures that encompass the entirety of an individual’s well-being, ultimately contributing to a holistic strategy in mitigating the onset of cancer.
—The writer is Public Health Specialist/Gold Medal Innovation, Lecturer/ Community Medicine Department.
