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Pakistan's Childhood Cancer Crisis: Under 30% Survival Rate Revealed

Health experts in Pakistan reveal a dire situation where fewer than 30% of children diagnosed with cancer survive, compared to over 80% in developed nations. This stark disparity is attributed to delayed diagnosis, insufficient specialized care, and financial barriers faced by families. Dr. Naeem Jabbar emphasized that most childhood cancers are treatable, with cure potentials up to 85% if addressed promptly. The experts urgently called for increased public awareness and improved healthcare infrastructure to give every child a fighting chance.

Key Points: Pakistan Child Cancer Survival Below 30%, Experts Warn

  • 10,000 annual child cancer cases in Pakistan
  • Survival rate below 30% vs 80%+ in developed nations
  • Delayed diagnosis and limited facilities are key factors
  • Common cancers include lymphoma and leukaemia
  • Early detection and treatment can save lives
2 min read

'Less than 30 per cent of children diagnosed with cancer survive in Pakistan'

Only 30% of children with cancer survive in Pakistan due to delayed diagnosis and limited treatment. Experts call for urgent awareness and improved care.

"With timely and appropriate treatment, cure rates can reach up to 85 per cent. - Dr Naeem Jabbar"

Islamabad, Feb 16

Around 10,000 children are diagnosed with cancer in Pakistan each year, but fewer than 30 per cent of them survive due to delayed diagnosis, limited treatment facilities and financial difficulties, health experts stated at an awareness session, local media reported on Monday.

Addressing a "Health Wise" session on childhood cancer on Sunday, jointly organised by the Indus Hospital and Health Network, experts stated that nearly 400,000 children and adolescents suffer from cancer across the world each year, with about 80 per cent of cases reported from low and middle-income nations, Pakistani daily The Express Tribune reported.

Survival rate of cancer patients in developed nations is between 80-85 per cent; however, the survival rates are lower in developing countries due to a delay in detection and lack of access to specialised care.

Dr Naeem Jabbar, Consultant Pediatric Haematology-Oncology, stated that the majority of childhood cancers can be treated if provided treatment on time.

"Unlike adult cancers, the majority of childhood cancers have no clearly defined cause and are not linked to lifestyle factors. With timely and appropriate treatment, cure rates can reach up to 85 per cent," he said.

Dr Jabbar said that the survival rate in Pakistan is low mainly due to a delay in recognising symptoms, insufficient supportive care, the shortage of trained specialists, limited access to specialised centres and high rates of treatment abandonment. The most common cancers among children include lymphoma, brain and spinal tumours, bone tumours, leukaemia, soft tissue sarcomas, neuroblastoma, Wilms tumour and retinoblastoma, The Express Tribune reported.

Experts stated that cancer patients have treatment options like chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy available when started on time.

In response to media queries, Dr Shumail Ashraf, Consultant Pediatric Oncology and Executive Director, Medical Services Directorate, said the Pediatric Haematology-Oncology Department in Karachi receives around 1,000 new cases each year. More than 16,000 children have been treated since 2014, while approximately 1,300 are undergoing treatment during current time.

Experts reiterated that early diagnosis saves lives and urged parents, teachers, healthcare providers, media to play their part in increasing awareness to ensure each child gets an equal chance at life.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Aman W
A stark reminder of the healthcare divide. The article says 80% of cases are in low/middle-income nations. This isn't just Pakistan's problem; it's a regional challenge. South Asia needs to collaborate on training specialists and making treatment affordable. 🙏
R
Rohit P
"High rates of treatment abandonment" due to financial difficulties is the most tragic part. No family should have to choose between poverty and their child's life. Governments must step up funding for paediatric cancer care. This is a basic human right.
S
Sarah B
Working in public health, I see similar barriers in many developing countries. The shortage of trained specialists is a huge bottleneck. We need more medical exchanges and fellowship programs between countries to build capacity faster.
K
Karthik V
While our survival rates in India are better, they're still not near 85%. This article should be a wake-up call for our own system too. Are our tier-2 and tier-3 cities equipped for early diagnosis? Awareness in schools and among parents is crucial.
N
Nikhil C
Respectfully, while the focus is on Pakistan, we must look inward. Our public healthcare is overburdened and private care is unaffordable for most. The core issue is the same: poverty and access. Let's solve it together as neighbours, not in isolation.
M
Meera T

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