This February be Cancer Aware

February is national cancer awareness month, here in the UK, and we’ve been spreading the word on the importance of early detection. Join us. Who knows, this post you share might just save a life.

On February 4th, World Cancer Day, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital (SKMCH) Lahore held a seminar lead by specialists and oncologists addressing the importance of early detection. Among the key messages of the day was that discovering cancer in its early stages dramatically increases chances of recovery.

Specialists drew attention to a UK based study, which revealed that survival is three times higher when diagnosed early on, in eight of the most common cancers. These being, bladder, bowel, breast, cervical, womb, malignant melanoma, ovarian and testicular.

During her speech about childhood cancer, SKMCH’s Consultant Paediatric Hospitalist, Dr. Afshan Khattak stated that childhood cancer is on the rise in Pakistan. However, it is important to note that the ratio of recovery from childhood cancer is much better than in adults with cancer. That said, early action is key. Dr. Kattak appealed to pediatric specialists not to delay in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Consultant Medical Oncologist and Haematologist, Dr. Abdul Hameed addressed some common symptoms of blood cancer with a mind to raise awareness. Blood cancer affects the production and function of blood cells. In that vein, symptoms appear in the form of:

• • Fever
  • Reduced weight
  • Lumps in different parts of the body (like the neck or armpit)
  • Excessive sweating, especially at night while sleeping

Dr. Abdul Hameed urged people who experience these symptoms to consult a doctor immediately, as early diagnosis of cancer leads to cure.

Consultant Medical Oncologist, Dr. Neelam Siddiqui, brought the seminar to a close by addressing the dangers of misconception with regards to cancer. She offered that a lack of education and knowledge leads to misconception and at one stage these misconceptions become part of social culture. She drew upon common false beliefs like the idea that coffee, coloured clothing, and perfume cause breast cancer.

More importantly, however, Dr. Siddiqui challenged the notion that cancer is contagious. This being a common misconception in Pakistan, which on occasion even results in the mistreatment and/or social exclusion of cancer patients. This kind of behaviour is neither conducive to any patient’s recovery, nor is it the kind of social mind-set which will enable us to beat cancer together.

At IKCA, we believe that cancer should be talked about, not shunned and stigmatised. The only way to beat a disease, which is on the rise, is to know more about it, and to act together to prevent or diagnose and cure it early on. So please, this February and in the months to come, be cancer aware, take good care of yourselves and your loved ones.