World Cancer Day is being observed globally today to raise awareness about cancer and its prevention.
In South Punjab, the number of blood cancer patients has surpassed 6,000, signaling a growing health crisis in the region.
Experts attribute the rising cancer rates in the area to the excessive use of pesticides on fruits and vegetables. Dr. Usman Fawad, a pediatric oncology specialist, explained that these harmful chemicals pose significant health risks, playing a major role in the increase of cancer cases.
Dr. Fawad shared that around 300 children are diagnosed with blood cancer every month at local healthcare facilities. While cancer remains a serious illness, he emphasized that it is treatable when detected early.
Healthcare professionals continue to stress the importance of early diagnosis and prompt treatment. Dr. Fawad urged parents and caregivers to seek medical advice as soon as symptoms appear, as early intervention can dramatically improve survival rates.
