Cancer to beat heart diseases as major cause of deaths by 2030

Islamabad : Around 9.6 million people die each year worldwide from cancer, more deaths than those caused by HIV/ AIDS, Malaria, and Tuberculosis combined. The World Health Organization projects cancer deaths to rise to 13 million by 2030 if action is not taken now. As such, cancer will beat heart diseases as a major cause of death by 2030.

Leading oncologists shared the above data at a World Cancer Day seminar arranged by Shifa International Hospital on Tuesday to raise public awareness. Minister of State for Climate Change Zartaj Gul Wazir was the chief guest on the occasion, with Inspector General Police Muhammad Aamir Zulfiqar Khan as the guest of honour. The CEO of Shifa Dr. M. H. Qazi, Chief Operating Officer Taimoor Shah, and Medical Director Dr. Zeeshan Bin Ishtique were also present.

“As one of the major drivers, climate change is affecting global environment and behaviours and is also altering the magnitude and pattern of cancer risks. Smog over cities, polluted drinking water, chemicals in food, use of plastic bags, and poor air quality are just a few exposures in the environment that harm our health,” Zartaj stated. She shared that the government is determined to make the environment healthy and clean for all and that her Ministry will soon be launching a programme for distribution of energy efficient stoves for housewives in the rural areas to protect them against lung and eye diseases.

IG Police Aamir Zulfiqar Zaraj commendeding SIH for spreading awareness about early detection and prevention of cancer, and pledged all-out support towards highlighting the cause.

Consultant Radiation Oncologist at SIH Dr. M. Furrukh said, more than one-third of cancer cases can be prevented and another one-third can be cured if detected early and treated properly. “By implementing resource-appropriate strategies, we can save up to 3.7 million lives every year,” he said. The oncologist also shared 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.

Consultant Medical Oncologist at SIH Dr. Ayaz Mir said, taking simple actions such as stopping smoking, avoiding use of alcohol, exercising, maintaining vitamins especially D level in the body and reducing intake of white sugar, junk food, processed and red meat can prove to be the first line of defence against cancer.

Pakistan is the 7th most populous country with an estimated cancer incidence of 148,041 new cases, 101,113 cancer related deaths (48,449 Men & 52,664 Women) in 2012, and a prevalence of 344,243 living cancer patients. The age standardized ratio is more in females (128 Women and 95 men per 100,000 populations, respectively).

Associate Consultant Radiation Oncologist at SIH Dr. Hira Asim shared that there are five main gynecological cancers among women including cancer of Cervix Ovary, Uterus, Vagina and Vulva but breast cancer ratio is still on top of the range. In Pakistan, breast cancer and lip/mouth cancers are highest in ratios as compared to others, according to the data presented by Dr. Yasser Rahman, Consultant Medical Oncologist.