Around 10,000 children in Pakistan are diagnosed with cancer annually, but less than 30% of them survive due to delayed diagnosis, limited treatment options, and financial challenges, as revealed by health experts at an awareness session. The survival rate for cancer patients in developed nations is 80-85%, significantly higher than in developing countries where delays in detection and lack of access to specialized care contribute to lower survival rates. Dr. Naeem Jabbar, a Consultant Pediatric Haematology-Oncology, emphasized that timely treatment can lead to successful outcomes for most childhood cancers, with cure rates reaching up to 85%.
Experts highlighted that the majority of childhood cancers have no clear cause and are not linked to lifestyle factors, unlike adult cancers. The low survival rate in Pakistan is attributed to delays in symptom recognition, inadequate supportive care, a shortage of trained specialists, limited access to specialized centers, and high rates of treatment abandonment. Common cancers among children include lymphoma, brain and spinal tumors, bone tumors, leukemia, soft tissue sarcomas, neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor, and retinoblastoma, according to The Express Tribune.
Dr. Shumail Ashraf, Consultant Pediatric Oncology and Executive Director of Medical Services Directorate, mentioned that the Pediatric Haematology-Oncology Department in Karachi handles about 1,000 new cases annually, with over 16,000 children treated since 2014 and approximately 1,300 currently undergoing treatment. Early diagnosis is crucial in saving lives, and experts emphasized the importance of raising awareness among parents, teachers, healthcare providers, and the media to ensure every child has an equal chance at life.
