Daily Times

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Pakistan and affects nearly 90,000 Pakistanis annually, as evidenced in 2017. Its rapid escalation amongst the masses is a result of poor healthcare, lack of availability of professional doctors, negligence and illiteracy.

What exactly is cancer? Simply put, it is a rapid and uncontrolled division of diseased cells that spread from one area to different parts of the body causing impairment and metastasis. An individual who experiences abnormal bowel movements, difficulty swallowing, numbness or swollen limbs, cyst or lump(s) in one of the breasts, may be at risk of developing cancer as these are grave signs of the illness. One should immediately refer to a doctor for an earlier diagnosis.

In my opinion, many Pakistanis deliberately stay silent and rely on pain pills and natural medicines as a ‘way out’ or cure for their condition. They often take matters into their own hands without seeking advice from professionals; notwithstanding the fact that medical specialists wrongfully diagnose illnesses at times too. If you or your significant other experiences something unusual, speak up! I encourage everyone to do so as an earlier cancer diagnosis can save lives of many people.

Signs and symptoms aside, Pakistanis must consider the risk factors involved in cancer. First is genetics. Cancer is strongly determined by family history and genes. If your significant other had cancer in the past, the risk of you developing cancer of any kind may increase significantly.

The second risk factor is lifestyle. Not incorporating physical exercise such as mild walking or not eating healthy foods contribute to cancer prone immunity. Furthermore, exposure to viruses, radiation, chemicals and harmful substances in the environment can trigger the illness. From a psychological standpoint, suppression of emotions, denial and chronic stress may also lead to certain types of cancers.

What can be done? Let’s get things in order; incorporate healthy fats such as walnuts or almonds in your diet as they help boost immunity and include vegetables and fruits of all kinds in your everyday meals. It is better to avoid unhealthy sugars and fats and substitute these options with fruits and green veggies. If you are a smoker, try to give up on the habit as smoking is one of the leading causes of cancer. If you are a mother, breastfeed your child; not doing so can reduce immunity against cancer in children.

Suppression of emotions, denial and chronic stress may also lead to certain types of cancers

More importantly, get routine checkups done despite normal behavior and functioning. Most Pakistanis often skip this and end up in advanced stages of cancer. It is better not to seek homeopathy as it is not scientific. Hence it is imperative to commit to monthly checkups for the better. Lastly, don’t sit idle. Stay active and walk or do household chores to maintain a balance.

You know what is even better? Preaching! Let’s band together as a nation and look out for each other. If you know someone who is cavalier towards his or her health, enlighten that person! You never know how many lives you will be saving. If you encounter signs or symptoms of cancer, report immediately. As Publilius Cyrus famously says, ‘Good health and good sense are two of life’s greatest blessings.’

The writer is a model, actor and writer for fashion magazines HELLO! Pakistan and Grazia and a contributor for Daily Times and Pakistan Today. He tweets @HaiderRifaat, twitter.com/HaiderRifaat

Published in Daily Times, January 19^th 2018.