Pakistan Faces Sharp Increase in Liver Cancer Cases

APP

Lahore: Leading medical experts have expressed serious concern over the alarming rise in liver cancer cases in Pakistan, describing the disease as a “silent killer” that claims thousands of lives every year.

At a press conference organized by the Pakistan Society of Gastroenterology & Endoscopy on Saturday, specialists revealed that more than 5,300 new cases of liver cancer are reported annually in Pakistan, with nearly the same number of deaths.

Experts highlighted that the cancer is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage, which significantly reduces treatment options. Common symptoms include jaundice, abdominal or shoulder pain, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, abdominal swelling, persistent fatigue, and itching.

For early detection, doctors recommended AFP blood tests, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, and biopsy. They added that available treatment options range from surgery, liver transplant, ablation, embolization, and chemotherapy to modern targeted therapies.

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Quoting World Health Organization (WHO) figures, experts said the incidence of liver cancer in Pakistan stands at 7.6 per 100,000 men and 2.8 per 100,000 women. The National Cancer Registry further notes that the disease accounts for nearly 7% of all male cancer cases in the country.

Prof. Dr. Israr-ul-Haq Toor emphasized the importance of prevention, urging citizens to get vaccinated against Hepatitis B, ensure timely treatment for Hepatitis C, consume safe food, and undergo regular liver tests for early detection.

The press conference was addressed by Prof. Dr. Ghias-un-Nabi Tayyab, President of the Pakistan Society of Gastroenterology & Endoscopy; Prof. Dr. Khalid Masood Gondal, Vice Chancellor of Fatima Jinnah Medical University; Prof. Dr. Israr-ul-Haq Toor of Mayo Hospital; Prof. Dr. Shumail Zafar Chaudhry; Dr. Junaid Mushtaq Cheema; Dr. Ayesha Hanif; and other senior medical specialists.