"In Pakistan, annually, approximately 8,000 children - under the age of 18 years - are diagnosed with cancer. At present, we have only 13 centres for paediatric cancer care", alarmed Dr Shamvil Ashraf, Executive Director, Medical Services; and Senior Consultant, Paediatric Oncology, Indus Health Network (IHN). Dr Ashraf was addressing the International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) at the Indus Hospital (TIH) on February 15, 2019.

While shedding light on the global scenario, Dr Ashraf said, "More than 300,000 children are diagnosed with cancer globally every year and it is one of the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children and adolescents. An estimated 80 percent of such cases occur in Lower and Middle Income (LMICs) countries."

Pakistan has a vulnerable position in terms of cancer treatment. Approximately 50 percent children have no access to treatment and 70 percent do not complete treatment.-PR

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019