سندھ ، 5 سال میں منہ کے کینسر میں 25 فیصد اضافہ

The state of Sindh has witnessed a staggering 25% increase in oral cancer cases over the past five years, with the highest number of cases reported from Karachi's southern districts and other coastal and suburban areas. This alarming trend has left medical professionals and health experts scrambling for answers, with many attributing the surge in cases to the widespread use of gutka, mawa, pan, chalia, and tobacco products.

Background & Context

Oral cancer, a type of cancer that affects the mouth and throat, has been a growing concern in Sindh for several years. While the exact causes of the disease are still not fully understood, experts point to a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors as contributing to its development. In Sindh, where tobacco and smokeless tobacco products are widely used, the risk of oral cancer is significantly higher than in other parts of the country.

According to medical professionals, the increasing prevalence of oral cancer in Sindh is a cause for concern, not only due to its high mortality rate but also because it disproportionately affects young people. The disease's aggressive nature means that patients often require extensive treatment, which can be both costly and emotionally draining for patients and their families.

Key Details

According to data from the Karachi Cancer Registry, there were 65,886 reported cases of oral cancer in Sindh between 2017 and 2021. This represents a significant increase from the previous five-year period, with the highest number of cases reported from Karachi's southern districts and other coastal and suburban areas. The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) provides radiation therapy at its centers in Karachi, but the current facilities are insufficient to meet the growing demand.

Dr. Nor Muhammad Soomro, former head of the cancer department at the Civil Hospital in Karachi, attributes the rise in oral cancer cases to the widespread use of gutka, mawa, pan, chalia, and tobacco products in Sindh. He emphasizes the need for a dedicated cancer hospital in the province, where patients can receive comprehensive treatment under one roof.

What Experts Say

Experts point to the lack of comprehensive cancer care facilities in Sindh as a major challenge in treating oral cancer patients. While some hospitals in the province offer radiation therapy, the current infrastructure is insufficient to meet the growing demand. The absence of specialized cancer care facilities means that patients often have to travel to other cities for treatment, which can be both costly and emotionally draining.

Dr. Soomro highlights the importance of raising awareness about the risks associated with tobacco and smokeless tobacco products. He emphasizes the need for a comprehensive public health campaign to educate people about the dangers of these products and the importance of seeking medical attention at the earliest sign of symptoms.

Key Takeaways

• The number of oral cancer cases in Sindh has risen by 25% over the past five years.
• The highest number of cases has been reported from Karachi's southern districts and other coastal and suburban areas.
• The widespread use of gutka, mawa, pan, chalia, and tobacco products is a major contributing factor to the rise in oral cancer cases.
• The lack of comprehensive cancer care facilities in Sindh is a major challenge in treating oral cancer patients.

What This Means For You

The alarming rise in oral cancer cases in Sindh has significant implications for the province's public health. The disease's high mortality rate and its disproportionate impact on young people make it a pressing concern that requires immediate attention. As a resident of Sindh, it is essential to be aware of the risks associated with tobacco and smokeless tobacco products and to seek medical attention at the earliest sign of symptoms.

Furthermore, the lack of comprehensive cancer care facilities in Sindh highlights the need for a concerted effort to improve the province's healthcare infrastructure. By investing in cancer care facilities and promoting awareness about the risks associated with tobacco and smokeless tobacco products, we can work towards reducing the incidence of oral cancer and improving the lives of patients and their families.

In conclusion, the rise in oral cancer cases in Sindh is a wake-up call for the province's healthcare system. By acknowledging the challenges posed by this disease and working towards a comprehensive solution, we can ensure that patients receive the care they deserve and that the province's public health improves significantly.