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Cancer Alert: 40% Preventable, Pakistan Urged to Act
5 Feb
Summary
- Nearly 40 percent of cancer cases are preventable globally, WHO warns.
- Tobacco use remains a major driver of preventable cancers in Pakistan.
- Infections and air pollution contribute significantly to preventable cancers.
World Cancer Day highlighted that approximately 40% of cancer cases are preventable, according to the WHO. This statistic serves as a critical directive for Pakistan, where health systems face considerable strain. Tobacco use, encompassing smoking, naswar, and vaping, continues to lead to nicotine dependence, yet tobacco taxation and smoke-free law enforcement remain inconsistent.
Air pollution, a severe seasonal issue in Punjab and other areas, is recognized as a carcinogenic threat. Governments must prioritize clean air through strict emissions standards and cleaner energy transitions. Infections also contribute significantly to preventable cancers, with cervical cancer, linked to HPV, affecting many Pakistani women.
Pakistan's recent HPV vaccination campaign reached millions of girls, a positive step that must continue. Workplace safety and urban planning for physical activity are also vital. Cancer care must shift from solely treating advanced disease in tertiary hospitals to a system prioritizing prevention, early detection, and integration within primary healthcare for greater equity and cost-effectiveness.
