Tobacco use is a leading cause of cancer and is responsible for multiple types of cancer including lung, throat, bladder, pancreas, and more.
Tobacco contains harmful chemicals, including carcinogens, which increase the risk of cancer. The World Health Organization estimates that tobacco is responsible for around 22% of all cancer deaths worldwide. Quitting tobacco use is the most effective way to reduce the risk of cancer and other tobacco-related diseases.
Cancer is a significant public health issue in Pakistan, with an estimated 160,000 new cases and 110,000 deaths due to cancer reported annually. The most common types of cancer in Pakistan include lung, breast, stomach, throat, blood and liver cancer. The increasing prevalence of cancer in the country is attributed to several factors.
Collation for Tobacco Control Pakistan (CTC-Pak) Project coordinator Zeeshan Danish said that On World Cancer Day, it is important to raise awareness about the devastating effects of tobacco use and the need for continued efforts to reduce its impact.
In addition, risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity are contributing to the rise in cancer cases in Pakistan.
The country also faces a shortage of medical facilities, as well as limited access to modern diagnostic and treatment technologies, it is essential to implement effective cancer control strategies, including promoting healthy lifestyles, increasing access to early detection and treatment services, and important one the reduces tobacco use and implements tobacco control laws to prevent cancer hazards and its burden in Pakistan, he said.