Staff Reporter
Around 9.6 million people die each year worldwide from cancer, more deaths than those caused by HIV/ AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis combined. If we do not act; World Health Organization experts project cancer deaths to rise to 13 million by 2030.
As one of the major drivers, changes in weather patterns as a result of climate change are affecting global environment and behaviors, which alter the magnitude and pattern of cancer risks, The Chief Guest Ms. Zartaj Gul Wazir (Minister of State for Climate Change) said. She was addressing the awareness seminar, patients and other participants on World Cancer Day at Shifa International Hospital (SIH).
She added that, Smog over cities, polluted drinking water, chemicals in food, use of plastic bags, poor air quality, these are just a few exposures in the environment that harm our health. Recently Federal Ministry of Climate Change is positively contributing to control environmental hazards, water resources, health and eventually nurturing a clean and green Pakistan.
She commended efforts of Shifa International Hospital to spread awareness in masses for early detection and prevention of cancer. She emphasized that, Our government is determined to make our environment healthy and clean for all. We are launching a program to distribute Energy Efficient Stoves for housewives in rural areas, for their safety against diseases related to lungs and eyes. She stressed the need to reduce consumptions of chemicals containing whitening creams.
The Guest of Honor, Mr. Muhammad Aamir Zulfiqar Khan (Inspector General Police) appreciated the efforts made by Shifa International Hospital about cancer awareness and pledged support from Islamabad Police for spreading cancer awareness.
Dr. M. Furrukh (Consultant Radiation Oncologist, SIH) said that, more than one-third of cancer cases can be prevented. Another one-third can be cured if detected early and treated properly. By implementing resource-appropriate strategies on prevention, early detection and treatment, we can save up to 3.7 million lives every year.
Dr. Furrukh added the seven warning signs of cancer; Changes in bathroom habits, A sore that does not heal, Unusual discharge and bleeding from natural orifices, Thickness or lumps in the breast or other places, Indigestion and difficulty in swallowing, Obvious changes in moles or warts and Nagging cough and hoarseness.
Dr. Ayaz Mir (Consultant Medical Oncologist, SIH) shared that, taking simple actions such as stopping smoking, avoiding use of alcohol, exercising regularly, maintaining vitamins especially D level in the body and reducing the intake of white sugar, junk food, processed and red meat can extend a healthy life, and it would prove to be the first-line of defence against cancer and other associated non-communicable diseases.
He informed the audience that Pakistan is the 7th most populous country with estimated cancer incidence of 148,041 new cases, 101,113 cancer related deaths (48,449 Men & 52,664 Women) in 2012, & a prevalence of 344,243 living cancer patients.
