'World Cancer Day' was observed by Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) at Hanifa Suleman Dawood Oncology Centre. The day started with recitation of The Holy Qur'an by Nasir Luck. Professor Adibul Hasan Rizvi, Director SIUT, inaugurated proceedings of the day. He thanked Dawood Family and other donors that contributed for the centre.
Narrating the history of development of the centre. He said that they started treating patients with renal, bladder, prostate and testicular cancers. Four years ago, they initiated operation of separate Hanifa Suleman Dawood Oncology Centre where they provide latest treatment including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and brachial therapy to their patients. All of this treatment is provided free of cost and with dignity.
Only last year, Director SIUT disclosed, they provided treatment to 1,195 patients suffering from various malignancies. Now, with the development of science, cancer could be treated and prevented. He termed socio-economic conditions, malnutrition, cigarette, smoking, 'paan, chalia, gutca', childhood marriages and multiple pregnancies as common causes of malignancy in the population.
Expressing his views, medical oncologist of SIUT, Dr Najeeb Naimatullah said that 40 percent of patients are suffering from cancer, which could be prevented with early diagnosis and treatment. He pointed out that in 2010, over seven million people died of cancer in the world. Every year, this number is increasing. He termed cancer screening very important before the symptoms appear.
Dr Mutahir Ali Tunio, radiation oncologist of SIUT discussed the risk factors for cancer. He said more than 60-70 percent of deaths occurs because of heart and cancer diseases, adding that both are caused by tobacco smoking. Major causes of cancer are smoking, 'paan, chaalia, gutka', pollution and obesity. He said sensible choice of food and quitting smoking can prevent cancer.
In his address, Dr Amir Maqbool revealed that head and neck cancers are the six most common cancers in the world. Tobacco smoking increases 85 percent chances of these types of cancer. He also said paan, gutka and naswar contain 28 cancer causing agents. The expert said that early detection and treatment could cure the disease of cancer, and advised avoidance of tobacco and alcohol products and consulting a doctor at even a slight suspicion of abnormality.
Dr Asad Shahzad of SIUT said blood in urine is 'red flag sign' and in such case, one must seek help of urologist or a general surgeon immediately. Factors responsible for cancer are smoking, dye, rubber and petroleum products. He said that urinary bladder cancer is the second most common cancer of genitourinary tract, kidney cancer accounts to three percent of all adult cancers, while prostate cancer is the most common, which stands at 32 percent. Testicular tumour percentage in USA is 0.2 and exists as painless enlargement of testis, he added.
Provincial Minister of Information and Technology, Raza Haroon also participated in the event. At the conclusion of the programme, Professor Altaf Hashmi of SITU thanked the participants. On the occasion, a table and puppet show was also presented by the students, depicting hazards of tobacco and paan.-PR