ISLAMABAD, JUL 13 (DNA) — On Sunday, a cancer specialist highlighted a worrying increase in colorectal, liver, oral cancer cases among young people, pointing to plastic use, food contamination, environmental factors as major causes, calling for timely detection to ensure successful treatment.
A leading Oncologist Dr. Muhammad Ali Memon, while speaking to a local news channel, highlighted that these cancers have seen a 79% rise in the last two decades, underscoring the urgent need for awareness and prevention. He described this sharp rise as a significant public health concern, emphasizing the urgent need for increased awareness, early screening and preventive measures among the younger population.
He further explained that chemical preservatives used in processed foods, consumption of frozen and contaminated items and the presence of plastic in soil and the food chain are major contributing factors. According to him, these elements disrupt bodily functions and reproductive health, increasing the risk of developing serious cancers at a younger age.
Dr. Memon further highlighted the role of deteriorating environmental conditions, pointing to reduced green cover and rapid urbanization, particularly in major cities such as Lahore and Karachi. He stressed that lack of plantation, poor air quality, and soil pollution combined with plastic infiltration into the food chain are significantly impacting public health.
These environmental factors, coupled with genetic vulnerabilities are creating a dangerous combination contributing to the rise in cancer cases among the younger population, he added. According to a recent report he cited, cancer-related deaths have risen by 28%, with the majority of cases occurring in people aged between 20 and 40 years, he mentioned.
Dr. Memon stressed that despite this worrying trend, early detection and timely treatment can significantly improve outcomes and save lives. Dr. Memon called for urgent measures to improve environmental conditions, promote awareness and encourage regular screening to combat this growing health crisis.
Maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, along with regular physical activity, can strengthen the body’s natural defenses against cancer, he added. He also emphasizes the importance of avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol consumption, as these are known risk factors for many types of cancer, he concluded. — DNA
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