World Cancer Day, but a 30% Increase in People Affected by the Disease in Western Afghanistan

photo: washingtonpost

World Cancer Day is observed annually on February 4th in most countries around the world, including Afghanistan. However, health officials in the western region of the country expressed concern during a ceremony commemorating this day, stating that the number of people affected by cancer has increased by more than 30% compared to the previous year.

Rahmatullah Barakzai, one of the doctors in the cancer department at the Herat Regional Hospital, says that 50 to 60 cancer patients visit this hospital daily, of whom approximately 30 to 35 are admitted for treatment.

He says, "Last year, around 10 people would visit this department, but currently, 30 to 35 people suffering from cancer are admitted to this department daily. Cancer is truly on the rise. This year, more than 5,000 cancer patients have been registered at this hospital."

On the other hand, a number of women suffering from cancer complain about the poor economic situation, lack of attention in government hospitals, and the absence of facilities for their treatment and care.

Shazia, a resident of Ghor Province who has been suffering from breast cancer for over three years, told Zan TV: "It is truly a difficult disease. Three years ago, one of my breasts was in pain, but I didn’t pay much attention to it. Gradually, the increasing pain forced me to go to hospitals. The doctors would give me painkillers, but eventually, I lost my appetite and couldn’t eat. I went to Pakistan, where they told me I had cancer. Now, I neither have the money for treatment nor do the hospitals here provide any help to me."

Shima, another woman suffering from cancer and a resident of Badghis Province, says: "I have been suffering from blood cancer since I was a child. When my blood levels drop, it becomes very difficult for me. I can’t do anything. My father doesn’t have the money to take me to other countries for treatment. Even when we come here, they don’t provide us with blood, let alone medicine or treatment."

Meanwhile, cancer patients are calling on the Taliban government to provide the necessary medicine and facilities for their treatment within the country.

Parisa, a 34-year-old woman admitted to the Herat Regional Hospital, says: "Our request is that we receive more help because this disease has no cure, but they should provide us with medicine or something to at least reduce the pain. The government should serve the people, not just think about filling its own pockets and leaving the poor and sick in a corner."

World Cancer Day is being observed in Herat Province at a time when, according to information provided by health officials, over the past six years, 23,928 cancer patients have been registered in hospitals in the western region of the country, particularly in Herat Province.