Key Takeaways
- Mouth cancer cases are increasing rapidly, especially among young people in Karachi and Sindh.
- The use of gutka, mawa, pan, supari and tobacco products is cited as the main cause.
- Health experts call for dedicated cancer hospitals to address the growing demand.
Mouth cancer cases are on a sharp rise in Karachi and other parts of Sindh, according to health experts who warn that the disease is spreading rapidly among young people. The widespread use of gutka, mawa, pan, supari and tobacco products has been identified as the primary factor driving this alarming increase.
Dr Noor Muhammad Somroo, a former head of the cancer department at Civil Hospital in Karachi, highlighted the significant rise in cases, particularly noting that Sindh leads Pakistan in mouth cancer rates. Over the past five years, there has been a 25 percent increase in such cases, leading to higher mortality among younger patients.
The Karachi Cancer Registry reported 65,886 mouth cancer cases between 2017 and 2021, while the Dow Cancer Registry documented 22,858 cases of mouth and lip cancer from 2010 to 2019. These figures underscore the severity of the issue in Sindh.
Health experts emphasize that comprehensive treatment facilities are lacking, with radiation therapy available only at Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission centres in Karachi. However, these existing facilities fall short of meeting the growing demand for cancer care. Professor Dr Noor Muhammad Somroo stressed the need for a dedicated cancer hospital to provide complete treatment under one roof.
The absence of such specialized facilities poses significant challenges for patients seeking comprehensive care. Doctors warn that without adequate resources and infrastructure, the situation could worsen, leading to more deaths among younger individuals who are increasingly affected by this disease.
While radiation therapy is available at Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission centres in Karachi, it is not sufficient to meet the growing demand. The need for a dedicated cancer hospital has been repeatedly highlighted by health professionals to ensure that patients receive complete treatment and care under one roof.
The situation in Sindh highlights the urgent need for government intervention and investment in healthcare infrastructure. Health experts urge policymakers to address this critical issue, ensuring that young people are not disproportionately affected by preventable diseases.
Mouth cancer cases are increasing rapidly, especially among young people in Karachi and Sindh.
Health experts
The use of gutka, mawa, supari and pan is driving mouth cancer cases among young people in Sindh.
Professor Dr Noor Muhammad Somroo, Former head of the cancer department at Civil Hospital
