KARACHI: A disturbing case has sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s medical community — a 10-year-old child diagnosed with esophageal cancer, a disease once rarely seen at such a young age, at Civil Hospital Karachi.
Health experts warn this is not an isolated incident, but part of a growing and deeply troubling trend: the rise of esophageal cancer among young people, driven by early and increasing exposure to tobacco products.
The hidden driver: tobacco use at an early age
According to clinicians, the widespread use of gutka, paan, chalia, cigarettes, and naswar among adolescents is directly contributing to this surge.
What makes esophageal cancer particularly dangerous is that it often goes unnoticed until it reaches advanced stages — despite being more manageable if detected early.
Doctors are urging parents and young individuals to watch for early warning signs, including:
• Difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia)
• Persistent throat discomfort
• Unexplained weight loss
Ignoring these symptoms or relying on home remedies can delay diagnosis and worsen outcomes.
Awareness campaign led by leading institutions
These concerns were highlighted during an awareness session organized by the Department of Surgery, Upper GI & Bariatric Unit at Dow University of Health Sciences in collaboration with Civil Hospital Karachi.
The event marked Esophageal Cancer Awareness Day as part of World Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month observed in April.
It also celebrated a major milestone: the unit has successfully conducted over 250 laparoscopic procedures and more than 70 robotic cancer surgeries, placing it among Pakistan’s leading centers for advanced cancer care, supported by the Government of Sindh Health Department.
From awareness walk to expert dialogue
The program began with an awareness walk from the hospital’s MS Office, where doctors, students, faculty members, and cancer survivors raised slogans emphasizing early diagnosis and prevention.
A comprehensive academic session followed at the Arag Auditorium, Dow Medical College, bringing together general practitioners, students, and multidisciplinary experts.
Experts call for urgent action
The session featured prominent figures including:
- M. Saeed Quraishy, Emeritus Professor and former Vice Chancellor of DUHS, Patron-in-Chief of the Upper GI Unit
- Prof Nazli Hossain, Vice Chancellor DUHS
- Prof Sajida Qureshi, Pro Vice Chancellor and Chair of Surgery DUHS
- Dr Saad Khalid Niaz, Executive Director of Sindh Institute of Gastroenterology
Prof Quraishy noted that laparoscopic and robotic cancer surgeries, initiated in 2017, have shown steady progress and emphasized the need for stronger collaboration with the Sindh Institute of Gastroenterology.
Vice Chancellor Nazli Hossain highlighted ongoing efforts to expand advanced surgical services to the Ojha Campus.
Advanced treatment — but awareness still lagging
Prof Sajida Qureshi emphasized that the Upper GI & Bariatric Unit is among the few centers in Pakistan offering comprehensive esophageal cancer treatment, including minimally invasive and robotic surgery, free of cost.
However, she stressed that awareness and early diagnosis remain the biggest gaps, often determining patient survival.
The policy challenge: controlling tobacco
Prof Saad K. Niaz delivered a strong warning, calling for strict legislation and enforcement to control the easy availability of gutka and related products.
Without decisive policy action, he cautioned, the rising burden of esophageal cancer in young populations will remain difficult to contain.
Voices of survival — and a message of hope
In a powerful segment, cancer survivors shared their personal journeys, offering hope while reinforcing the importance of early detection and timely intervention.
The event concluded with a multidisciplinary panel discussion featuring experts from oncology, radiology, pathology, and surgery — including Prof Saad Khalid Niaz, Prof Sajida Qureshi, Dr Najeeb Naimatullah, Dr Shehryar, and Prof Saba Sohail — focusing on improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
Why this matters now
This is no longer just a medical concern — it is a growing national health emergency.
With tobacco use starting earlier than ever, Pakistan risks facing a future where preventable cancers like esophageal cancer affect increasingly younger populations.
The message from experts is urgent and clear:
Awareness, early detection, and strong government action are critical to reversing this trend.
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