QUETTA: Rising cancer cases in Balochistan have been revealed through a major joint study conducted by experts from the Aga Khan Hospital and Arya Institute of Medical Sciences Quetta, which analyzed 16,342 biopsy samples from the province.
Out of these samples, cancer was confirmed in 5,145 cases, comprising 52 percent male and 48 percent female patients.
Among men, esophageal cancer was reported as the most prevalent, accounting for 425 cases (17.4 percent of total adult male cancers), followed by stomach cancer with 351 cases, colorectal cancer with 225 cases, and bladder cancer with 223 cases.
Interestingly, researchers noted that esophageal cancer in Balochistan’s men is nearly four times higher than oral cancer, presenting a trend distinct from national and regional statistics where oral cancer is typically more common.
For women, breast cancer emerged as the most frequent diagnosis with 526 cases, followed by esophageal cancer with 434 cases, colorectal cancer with 125 cases, and oral cancer with 113 cases.
Furthermore, children and adolescents accounted for 7 percent of overall cases, with brain tumors standing out prominently in this younger age group.
Causes and Precautions
Researchers evaluated potential risk factors behind these regional trends, pointing toward the heavy consumption of preserved, salted, and dried foods alongside a low intake of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Environmental factors and opium use were also highlighted as potential contributors, though researchers emphasized that these factors are not definitive proven causes and require further investigation.
To mitigate health risks, experts advise adopting a balanced diet rich in fresh produce, reducing processed food intake, and avoiding harmful habits.
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Addressing data gaps, the study highlighted the lack of a comprehensive national cancer registry in Pakistan, recommending better record-keeping, deeper research, and the integration of clinical, radiological, and pathological data to accurately track rising cancer cases in Balochistan.
