Children Account for 30% of Eye Cancer Patients in Pakistan

News Desk

Rawalpindi: Nearly 30 per cent of eye cancer patients are children, presenting a significant challenge, revealed Dr Tanzeela Farah Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi.

Speaking to the media, she highlighted the concerning surge in pediatric eye cancer cases in Pakistan compared to global statistics, emphasising the urgency of early detection, accurate diagnosis, and timely treatment.

She said that Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital in Rawalpindi has achieved significant success in treating eye cancer among children, with over 400 cases successfully treated within a year.

Over 1600 young individuals were registered at the eye cancer center during this period, with comprehensive treatment provided to 400 children. Dr Tanzeela emphasized that the hospital offers a complete spectrum of care, from evaluation to chemotherapy, all under one roof.

Highlighting the concerning trend of rising pediatric eye cancer cases in Pakistan compared to other nations, Dr Tanzeela stressed the crucial importance of early detection, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate treatment. She noted that nearly 30 per cent of eye cancer patients are children, presenting a significant challenge.

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Timely detection, Dr Tanzeela emphasized, holds the key to preserving a child’s vision. However, in cases where detection fails, seeking expert consultation becomes vital, as eye cancer can result in vision loss, eye removal, or even prove fatal.

Acknowledging the lengthy and expensive nature of eye cancer treatment, she highlighted the hospital’s commitment to providing free treatment to underprivileged patients through the expertise and state-of-the-art equipment available at Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital. Post-chemotherapy, patients undergo rigorous six-month follow-up sessions, with continued observation for 5 to 7 years, especially for early childhood diagnoses.

she noted that eye cancer cases often involve children from low-income families residing in remote areas, where parents lack awareness about specialized treatment facilities. She emphasized that treating eye cancer demands significant time and effort.

It’s noteworthy that Al-Shifa Trust has established a network of five internationally accredited eye hospitals, including Rawalpindi, Kohat, Sukkur, Muzaffarabad, and Chakwal over the past three decades, with the Rawalpindi facility being Asia’s largest children’s eye hospital. Additional input from APP.