Support Lung Cancer Patients at JPMC, Save Lives
Join the Fight Against Lung Cancer in Pakistan with Patient Aid JPMC
Lung cancer is a devastating health crisis disproportionately affecting impoverished Pakistanis. From urban centres like Karachi to rural areas of Sindh, Balochistan, and Punjab, the disease wreaks havoc on individuals and communities. The human cost is immeasurable, as patients and their families struggle with both physical and financial devastation. With limited access to affordable healthcare, countless lives are lost prematurely.
International Lung Cancer Day serves as a critical reminder of this pressing health crisis. While advanced cancer treatments are still under trial across the country, access remains a significant challenge. In this tragic time, the Patients’ Aid JPMC emerges as a beacon of hope. Their dedication and commitment to providing care and support to cancer patients, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds is a testament to the power of human compassion.
Lung Cancer – A Growing Threat in Pakistan
Lung cancer is a major health crisis in Pakistan. Recent data from Dawn reveals that 4.1 million people in the country are battling cancer, with lung cancer being particularly severe. The IDC 2023 report identifies lung cancer as the second most common cancer among men and the fifth among women. Without timely treatment, these malignant tumours can metastasize, spreading to other vital organs.
According to the Burden of Disease (BOD), 2024, Pakistan reports 2.7 million new cancer cases annually. These statistics highlight the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to prevent, detect, and treat cancer effectively. Key risk factors for lung cancer include widespread tobacco use, such as gutkha and paan, and exposure to environmental pollutants, often linked to food adulteration.
In Pakistan, awareness and access to treatment for lung cancer are severely limited due to socioeconomic disparities. This lack of access exacerbates the situation, leaving many individuals without the possibility of early diagnosis or effective treatment. The situation becomes particularly grave when the cancer has metastasized, although it remains more manageable in its early stages.
Treatments like chemotherapy and targeted therapies, including Tomotherapy or Cyberknife, can be highly effective. Targeted therapy, for instance, focuses on specific cancer genes, proteins, or the tissue environment contributing to cancer growth, which helps in inhibiting cancer cell proliferation while preserving healthy cells.
Sanullah Ghumman, Secretary General of the Pakistan National Heart Association, stated in an interview with Dawn that cancer-related deaths are a significant concern, with 10 million deaths globally each year. In Pakistan, nearly 2,100 people die daily from non-communicable diseases, with cancer being a major contributor. This trend is exacerbated by lifestyle factors, including unhealthy dietary habits.
Recognizing the urgent need for accessible and comprehensive cancer care in both urban and rural areas, Patients Aid supported Jinnah Hospital in making a significant impact. Since the installation of the PET CT scan machine in 2016, the hospital has been able to more accurately gauge the extent and spread of cancer cells, which is crucial in the fight against cancer. Additionally, Jinnah Hospital conducts approximately 1,000 radiology diagnostics and performs 175 successful cancer radiotherapy surgeries daily.
With Patients Aid’s patronisation, Jinnah Hospital has been instrumental in providing free access to advanced cancer treatments, including CyberKnife and tomotherapy, to those unable to afford these costly procedures. This support is crucial for countless patients who would otherwise be denied life-saving therapies.
By bringing world-class medical technology like Cyberknife and Tomotherapy to Pakistan, the Patients’ Aid Foundation is alleviating the burden of cancer for many. The foundation is not only providing high quality treatments but also raising awareness about lung cancer prevention, early detection, and the importance of accessible, affordable treatment is crucial. Their effort marks a crucial step toward addressing the devastating impact of cancer on the Pakistani population.
Breaking the cycle by supporting Patients’ Aid
In these challenging economic times, supporting Patients’ Aid Foundation initiatives are crucial. By donating or volunteering, you can contribute to addressing the cancer crisis faced by underprivileged communities. Your support will help Patients’ Aid provide essential medical assistance to those who are in need and fulfil eligibility criteria.
Become a part of this initiative by donating or volunteering your time and skills. Together, we can create a healthier future for everyone. Let’s empower those affected by cancer.
Every rupee you donate is a lifeline. Your sadaqah jariyah will have a lasting impact, saving lives and improving the health of countless people.
For further information, contact or visit the website now to donate and help ensure that no one is denied essential healthcare.
