Daily Times

Sir: Cancer is a class of diseases characterised by abnormal growth of cells with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. The earlier cancer is diagnosed and treated, the better the chance of it being cured.

Keeping this in mind, the decision by the Punjab government to expand the scope of ongoing collaboration with international pharmaceutical company Novartis for the treatment of cancer patients calls for applause as the move will help mitigate the sufferings of cancer patients.

Although expansion of this programme is a welcome step, however, need of the hour is to raise awareness among the masses about different types of cancers, and encourage them to fight it. Moreover, government in coordination with Novartis must continue to strive for the provision of medicines and treatment facilities to cancer patients if it is really sincere in helping patients fight this disease.

SHEHAR BANO SYED

Lahore