ISLAMABAD: Although the incidence of cervical cancer in Pakistan is lower than what is being reported in its neighbouring countries, Pakistan is still one of the world’s top ten countries with the highest number of cervical cancer deaths, accounting for an estimated 20 deaths per day.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), one death every two minutes can be attributed to cervical cancer, making it the second leading cause of death worldwide among women after breast cancer. Approximately 80 percent of these deaths occur in developing countries like Pakistan.
Due to limited awareness, Pakistani women suffer from many preventable ailments like cervical cancer, which is entirely preventable through vaccination and screening, both of which are available in the country.
According to a WHO study, the incidence of cervical cancer in Pakistan in 2008 was 13.6 per 100,000 compared to less than 9 per 100,000 in 2002, which shows that the country is moving from low-risk to moderate risk level, making it a danger zone where young girls are more at risk than before.
According to Prof Iqbal Ahmad Memon, professor of paediatrics, gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition, “Pakistan has an increasing trend of cervical cancer cases, which are normally diagnosed at advanced stages when a woman is in the prime of her life, taking care of her children and family.”
Dr Memon said, cervical cancer does not show any sign and symptoms in the beginning, so when diagnosed, it is already too late.
“It is, therefore better to get girls vaccinated after the age of 9 as it becomes very difficult to cure cancer once it crosses the threshold level,” he advised.
Furthermore, the onset of cervical cancer not only creates deep trauma for both the woman and her family, but is also unbearable in terms of the cost of treatment.
INTERNEWS
