Head and neck cancers are spreading fast in Pakistan, especially in Karachi, as shared by Dr. Khalid Bukhari, who works at Dr. Ruth KM Pfau Civil Hospital.
He mentioned that every day, two to three patients with head and neck cancer visit the Civil Hospital. Dr. Bukhari added that globally, one person dies from this type of cancer every hour.
This information was revealed during the start of an awareness campaign held in collaboration with the Civil Hospital ENT Unit Two, Dow Medical College, and the Tumour Board Establishment Facilitation Forum (TEFF). Other speakers at the event included former Head of the ENT Department, Prof. Shuja Farrukh; Head of ENT Unit 1, Prof. Zeba Ahmed; Head of ENT Unit 2, Prof. Sadaf Zia; and TEFF President, Dr. Nimrata Kumari. Many doctors and medical staff attended.
Dr. Bukhari stressed that many cancer patients only come to the hospital when their condition is severe. He emphasised the importance of raising awareness in smaller hospitals in suburbs and among general practitioners. This will help ensure patients know about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options earlier.
Prof. Farrukh mentioned that head and neck cancers make up 4-5% of all cancer cases worldwide, with 10-15% diagnosed at their hospital. He expressed worry over habits like chewing betel leaf, betelnut, gutka, or naswar among late-stage patients. Prof. Farrukh praised TEFF’s efforts in creating awareness and discussed treatment options such as surgery, radiosurgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.
Dr. Sadaf highlighted risk factors like smoking, paan, chalaya, snuff, alcohol, and poor diet and hygiene. She advised seeking medical help if symptoms like difficulty breathing, swallowing, voice changes, or throat inflammation occur.
Prof. Zeba stressed the importance of early diagnosis for mouth cancer to save lives. She emphasised the need for patient and family awareness, noting that late-stage cancer might get some relief but is often not curable. Prof. Zeba applauded medical professionals’ role in spreading disease awareness and advocated for regular awareness campaigns.
Dr. Nimrata Kumari, head of TEFF, mentioned the importance of conducting cancer awareness campaigns regularly. TEFF organises campaigns for various cancers, including paediatric, oncology, colorectal, breast, and gynaecological cancers.
