A new study has revealed important findings about the rising cancer burden in Balochistan, where researchers examined 16,342 biopsy samples collected from across the province.
The joint research, conducted by experts from Aga Khan Hospital and Arya Institute of Medical Sciences Quetta, found cancer in 5,145 of the samples.
The study showed that 52 percent of the cancer patients were men, while 48 percent were women.
Among men in Balochistan, oesophageal cancer emerged as the most commonly reported type. The study recorded 425 cases of oesophageal cancer in adult men, accounting for 17.4 percent of all cancer cases in that group.
Stomach cancer ranked second among men with 351 cases, followed by cancer of the colon, rectum and anus with 225 cases. Researchers also identified 223 cases of bladder cancer in men.
They said oesophageal cancer in Balochistan was nearly four times more common in men than oral cancer, which is unlike trends seen in other regions. In national and other regional data, oral cancer is usually reported more frequently among men.
Among women in Balochistan, breast cancer was the most common type, with 526 cases recorded.
Oesophageal cancer ranked second among women with 434 cases, while colon, rectum and anal cancers accounted for 125 cases. The study also reported 113 cases of oral cancer in women.
Researchers said children and adolescents made up 7 percent of the total cancer cases. Brain tumours were reported in notable numbers in this age group.
The study also examined possible factors behind the different cancer trends in Balochistan. It said high consumption of preserved, salty and dried foods may be among the possible risks.
Low intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, environmental factors and opium use were also identified as possible contributors.
However, the researchers stressed that these factors have not been proven as the final causes of cancer and that further study is needed to determine their role.
The research also highlighted the lack of a comprehensive national cancer registry in Pakistan, which makes it difficult to fully assess the real spread and trends of cancer, especially in Balochistan.
The researchers recommended better cancer record-keeping in the province and called for more research.
They also suggested combining clinical, radiological and pathology data to obtain a more complete picture of cancer trends, risk factors and treatment needs in Balochistan.
The post Study Reveals Rising Cancer Cases In Balochistan appeared first on ProPakistani.
