Study Reveals Rising Cancer Cases In Balochistan

A recent study has uncovered the increasing prevalence of cancer in Balochistan, where researchers analyzed 16,342 biopsy samples from the province. Conducted jointly by experts from Aga Khan Hospital and Arya Institute of Medical Sciences Quetta, the research identified cancer in 5,145 samples. Notably, 52 percent of the patients were male, while 48 percent were female.

Oesophageal cancer emerged as the most common type among men, with 425 cases accounting for 17.4 percent of all male cancers. Stomach cancer and colon, rectum, and anus cancers followed with 351 and 225 cases respectively. In men, oesophageal cancer was nearly four times more prevalent than oral cancer, which is a stark contrast to trends in other regions.

Breast cancer was the most common among women, with 526 cases, while oesophageal and colon, rectum, and anus cancers ranked second and third at 434 and 125 cases respectively. The study also noted 113 cases of oral cancer in women. Additionally, researchers found that children and adolescents comprised 7 percent of the total cancer cases, with brain tumours being notably prevalent in this age group.

The study also explored potential factors contributing to the diverse cancer trends in Balochistan, including high consumption of preserved, salty, and dried foods, low intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, environmental factors, and opium use. However, the researchers stressed that these factors have not been definitively proven as causes and that further investigation is required to determine their role.

The research also highlighted the absence of a comprehensive national cancer registry in Pakistan, making it challenging to accurately assess the true extent and trends of cancer, particularly in Balochistan. The researchers recommended improving cancer record-keeping in the province and conducting further research to gain a more comprehensive understanding of cancer trends, risk factors, and treatment needs in Balochistan.