A CANCER hospital recently reported that approximately 137,000 neoplasms had been registered over the last 29 years, of which 127,000 were found to be mali-gnant. This single-centre data highlights the worrying state of cancer prevalence in Pakistan.

Subsequently, data emerged from Baltistan, particularly from the Regional Headquarters (RHQ) Hospital, Skardu, where, according to an oncologist, the number of cancer patients in the Baltistan region has surpassed 2,000. In view of the relatively small population in the region, the number is both disturbing and alarming.

Among them, 150 are currently receiving treatment at the hospital, while around 90 have been referred to better-equipped hospitals in other parts of the country.

In Khundus valley, whichis a union council (IC) in Ghanche district, 26 cancer cases have been detected in a population of merely 3,500.

These grim statistics necessitate immediate and effective intervention from the government to ensure the best possible treatment for the patients. Moreover, it is imperative to conduct comprehensive research under the supervision of qualified oncologists to determine the underlying causes of this alarming rise in cancer cases in the region.

Furthermore, the government must improve and expand the services being currently offered by the oncology depa- rtment at the RHQ Hospital, Skardu, which has serious financial constraints to deal with.

Besides, the geographical challenges of the people of Baltistan that continuously prevent many from travelling to major cities for proper medical treatment must also be addressed immediately.

Karamat Hussain Jahangiri
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, March 10th, 2025