We all are well familiar with the term cancer. It has still no cure rather it’s a manageable ailment. The prevention of cancer is not an easy option because most of the cancers are due to the defected inherited genetic makeup.
If we talk about the prevalence of cancer in Pakistan, the data available is still very less. To date, Pakistan does not have a national cancer registry. That’s why the exact prevalence of the different types of cancers is still not clear. Pakistan Health Research Council (PHRC) is receiving data from 8 hospitals in the country since May 2015.
Apart from this, the management and diagnosis of malignant tumors are still insignificant in our country. The treatment cost is very high and not available to everyone. People from remote areas travel to cities for treatment and diagnosis.
Some private and public sector hospitals are giving their best to combat this disease. Pakistan has highly qualified oncologists working both in public and private sectors. You can consult the best oncologist in Pakistan for the treatment of any type of cancer.
According to some researches that are done by different institutes in Pakistan, the most common cancers among the males and females of our country are as under:
Table of Content
Common Cancers in females :
These types of cancer are seen among the females of the age group 20 to 80 years.
Breast cancer:
It develops in breast cells especially in the lobules (glands producing milk) and ducts. The main symptoms include;
- Pain in the armpits
- Redness of the skin of the breast
- Rash around nipple
- Discharge from a nipple
- Inverted nipple
- Change in the size or shape of the breast.
The stages of breast cancer are from 0 to 4 according to the location and spread of the tumor. Early detection of breast cancer can help in its treatment. Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital is giving its best services in treating breast cancer. You can consult the best oncologists in Lahore through Marham.
Risk factors include age, genetics, hormonal therapy, early menarche and late menopause, body weight, and radiation exposure.
Ovarian cancer:
It refers to cancerous growth in the ovaries (part of the female reproductive system that produces eggs). Early symptoms include
- Pain in pelvis
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Changes in bowel movement
- Urinary bladder disturbances
Other than this, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, and fatigue are also signs of ovarian cancer.
Risk factors include; age, family history, reproductive history, hormonal therapies, history of breast cancer, and obesity.
Common cancers in males:
Urinary system cancer:
it refers to the urinary bladder and ureter cancer. This type of cancer can be diagnosed at early stages as the blood starts appearing in the urine.
Bladder cancer can cause changes in urination, such as frequent urination, pain, or burning during urination and frequent urination during the nighttime.
These symptoms can also be caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI), bladder stones, an enlarged prostate. But it is important to consult your doctor for the proper diagnosis.
Prostate cancer:
One of the most common cancers in males is prostate cancer. It occurs in the prostate gland located below the bladder. Although there are no early symptoms, minor symptoms like difficulty in urination, blood in urine, weight loss, are shown by this type of cancer in advanced stages.
Risk factors include age, family history of prostate or any other cancer, high-fat diet and obesity, smoking, etc.
Common cancers both in males and females:
Oral cancer:
This cancer arises typically in the lining of lips, tongue, the inner lining of cheeks, jaws, palates, or upper throat. However, early detection of this type of cancer can be helpful in the treatment. Early symptoms include;
- White or red patches in the mouth
- A lump or growth in the mouth
- Pain and difficulty in swallowing
- Bleeding from mouth
Risk factors include family history, long-term exposure to sun rays, poor nutrition, etc. The use of Areca nut and Betel nut (paan and gutka) can cause oral cancer. It is widely used by the people of Karachi. That is why oral cancer cases are more prevalent in this city.
Karachi has the best oncologists in different hospitals like Agha khan University Hospital and Liaquat National Hospital.
Gastrointestinal tract cancer:
It refers to the cancers of organs of the digestive system and associated organs of digestion; that includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, pancreas, biliary system, rectum, and anus. Typical symptoms include;
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Discomfort in belly
- Indigestion
- Feeling of fullness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Ascites (fluid filling in the abdomen)
- Blood in stool
- Anemia.
The GIT cancers are usually diagnosed at advanced stages because symptoms do not appear at the early stages and survival rate is also poor.
Lymphomas:
They are a group of blood cancers developed from lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). Lymphomas affect the lymphatic system of the body including bone marrow, thymus, spleen, tonsils, and lymph nodes.
Early detection is one of the factors which help to treat cancer. By determining the prevalence of common cancers, better cancer care can be given to patients in Pakistan.
Keeping in mind the risk factors, if you feel any symptoms, consult the best Oncologist in your city.
The cancer specialists of Islamabad are also giving their services for improving cancer care facilities in our country.
During this COVID-19 pandemic, Marham is providing you the best online consultation facilities. Just click on the link given below to consult the best oncologists online.
