Dr Shazia Fatima DG NMO
The discovery of X-rays in 1895 by Wilhelm Röntgen rapidly led to their application in cancer treatment because early physicians observed that radiation had a powerful biological effect on human tissue, which they sought to harness to destroy tumors. The arrival of safe surgery, followed by advances in radiation after the discovery of X-rays, changed the landscape of cancer treatment.
Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission’s (PAEC) history of cancer treatment is a remarkable story of scientific ambition, national commitment and decades of consistent progress in the service of public health. In a country where cancer cases are rising steadily each year, the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) has become one of the nation’s strongest and biggest shields against the disease. While many may associate PAEC only with nuclear power plants and scientific research, its humanitarian contribution in healthcare, especially cancer diagnosis and treatment, is one of the most significant public services today.
The remarkable journey formally began in 1960, when PAEC set up the nation’s first radioisotope centre at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi. Housed in a two-room barrack, the centre operated with a single rectilinear scanner for thyroid imaging. Yet, despite limited resources, the response was overwhelming; more than 300 patients received diagnostic and therapeutic services during its very first year. This small step marked a major milestone; for the first time, radioactive isotopes were being used in Pakistan to diagnose and treat illnesses such as thyroid disorders and cancer. As demand grew, the JPMC facility expanded steadily, eventually becoming a 26-room modern nuclear medicine centre that now serves over 33,000 patients annually.
In Pakistan, cancer remains a rapidly growing public health challenge, with nearly 180,000 new cases and 128,000 deaths reported every year. Breast cancer stands as the country’s most common cancer, making up 16.5% of all cases, followed by lip and oral cavity cancers (8.6%) and lung cancer (5.1%). The burden is far from equal: women are disproportionately affected, with breast cancer reaching an age-standardized incidence rate of 34.2 per 100,000, one of the highest in the region. Among men, lip and oral cavity cancers dominate, with an incidence rate of 9.5 per 100,000, driven largely by widespread tobacco and betel nut use.
These figures underscore a pressing need for nationwide awareness, early detection and accessible treatment to curb the rising tide of cancer in Pakistan. After establishing Pakistan’s second nuclear medicine centre in Dhaka (then East Pakistan) in 1962, PAEC accelerated its nationwide expansion, opening CENUM Lahore in 1963, MINAR Multan in 1968, IRNUM Peshawar in 1975, LINAR Larkana in 1978, NORI Islamabad in 1983, INMOL Lahore in 1984, and CENAR Quetta in 1987. The network continued to grow with PINUM Faisalabad in 1996, BINO Bahawalpur in 1999, KIRAN Karachi in 2001, INOR Abbottabad in 2004, and GINUM Gujranwala in 2010. In 2012 alone, PAEC expanded significantly with the establishment of NORIN Nawabshah, DINAR D.I. Khan, BINOR Bannu, and SINOR Swat. More recently, GINOR Gilgit opened in 2022, DCN Narowal in 2023, and PAEC’s newest cancer hospital, KINOR Muzaffarabad, will become operational on December 23rd, 2025. These centers are equipped with top-of-the-line cancer diagnostic and treatment facilities, including PET-CT and Cyclotrons, hybrid imaging systems like SPECT-CT, MR, CT, digital mammography with tomosynthesis capabilities, teletherapy machines like single and dual energy linear accelerators, CyberKnife, Co-60 machines, brachytherapy, etc.
In September 2023, the Nuclear Medicine, Oncology and Radiotherapy Institute (NORI) Islamabad earned international recognition by being designated as a Rays of Hope Centre by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This distinction highlights PAEC’s position as one of Pakistan’s leading organizations in delivering modern, safe, and accessible cancer care. The recent inclusion of the CyberKnife robotic radiosurgery system has further strengthened NORI’s capabilities, enabling highly precise, non-invasive treatment for complex tumors. As a Rays of Hope Centre equipped with advanced technologies, NORI is now even better positioned to support national cancer control efforts through improved radiotherapy, nuclear medicine, early diagnosis, and specialized training, serving as a regional model for excellence and a vital contributor to Pakistan’s fight against the growing cancer burden.
The field continues to evolve with the advent of PET/MRI, target-specific radiopharmaceuticals, and increased emphasis on cancer theranostics. Centers such as the Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology (PINSTECH) are also contributing to the development of local radiopharmaceuticals, reducing reliance on imports and improving service availability.
During 2024, PAEC cancer hospitals provided treatment to more than 46,000 newly diagnosed patients, including a significant number in advanced stages (Stage III and IV), reflecting the crucial role PAEC plays in managing complex and late-presenting cancers across the country. In total, PAEC’s nationwide network handles over 1.2 million patient visits every year, offering diagnostic, therapeutic, and follow-up services under one of the most extensive cancer care systems in Pakistan. This remarkable patient load underscores not only the rising cancer burden but also the public’s trust in PAEC’s facilities, where modern radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, PET/CT imaging, and specialized oncologists are available at highly subsidized rates. With ongoing upgrades, expanding services, and an increasing focus on early detection and awareness, PAEC continues to serve as a lifeline for countless families, ensuring that quality cancer care remains accessible to all regardless of income or location.
PAEC is a strong advocate of “Hope Begins with Awareness.” PAEC has not only been providing cancer treatment but also runs annual awareness campaigns and community outreach programs. These efforts empower individuals to prioritize early detection, which can significantly improve health outcomes, reduce the mortality rate and minimize the burden on the health system of Pakistan. Annually, PAEC cancer hospitals lead one of the country’s largest cancer awareness initiatives, equipping 15–20 million people with life-saving early detection strategies through seminars, symposia, workshops, filter clinics, and mobile screening camps across Pakistan.
PAEC has transformed cancer care affordability and access by delivering subsidized and free treatment to hundreds of thousands of patients each year through robust support mechanisms, including government assistance under Bait-ul-Maal and the Sehat Sahulat Card.
With a strong focus on equity, PAEC’s hospital network supports low-income families and patients from remote regions by delivering quality cancer care without overwhelming financial strain. Early screening programs and large-scale awareness campaigns enable timely diagnosis, reducing both treatment complexity and costs. Expanded regional services further limit the need for long-distance travel, bringing care closer to home. Looking ahead, PAEC is committed to expanding cancer services to underserved regions of Pakistan, modernizing its facilities, and strengthening research and training to further elevate the quality of care nationwide.
From a small two-room facility in 1960 to a nationwide network of advanced 21 cancer hospitals, PAEC’s progress reflects decades of dedication, innovation and unwavering commitment to share the government’s burden for patient care. As technology continues to advance, cancer care in PAEC stands ready to deliver precise diagnostics, effective treatments, and new hope to thousands of cancer patients every year.
The fight against cancer is a shared responsibility. Together, we can overcome this challenge, which is necessary for a better future of Pakistan.
