Nepal sees rising cancer cases, access to equitable treatment needed

By Pallav Bhusal,Kathmandu, Feb. 6: Proper knowledge, skills, and technology can prevent one-third of cancer incidence before its onset, while another one-third can be detected and treated in time, and even if the remaining one-third cannot be cured, the pain caused by this disease can be reduced, and life expectancy extended. 

“Cancer is on the rise in Nepal thanks to unhealthy lifestyle. People are exercising less, exposed to toxic air pollution, consuming harmful food and neglecting their health. All these habits contribute to the increase in cancer cases,” said Dr. Kapendra Shekhar Amatya, Senior Consultant Surgical Oncologist at the Nepal Cancer Hospital.

According to the World Health Organisation, cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths annually. The most common cancer deaths are from lung, colon and rectum, liver, stomach and breast cancers. Each year, approximately 400,000 children develop cancer.

“Since cancer treatment in later stages is very expensive, many people cannot afford proper treatment due to economic constraints. Therefore, it is crucial to educate people about cancer and create access for early diagnosis of the disease,” stressed Amatya.

The multi-year campaign theme for World Cancer Day 2022-2024 is “Close the Care Gap,” aiming to emphasise the need for equitable access to healthcare, specifically in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. This year, the World Cancer Day was marked on Sunday.

He pointed at the negligence of people towards early diagnosis and urged responsible authorities to make it easier for all citizens to receive proper treatment for the disease.

“While there are good hospitals and treatments available for cancer, the issue lies in the accessibility and affordability for patients. Basic treatment in the early stages of cancer is more economical compared to the costs required in later stages,” he said.

Education and social awareness play a critical role in the early diagnosis of cancer. Amatya commended the media sector for its efforts in promoting such awareness.

Amatya emphasised that cancer could be avoided through health awareness, regular check-ups, personal and environmental hygiene, proper diet, and a healthy lifestyle. Similarly, if the disease is detected and treated in the early stage, most cancers can be completely cured, contributing to longevity and a humane way of living.

A recent study conducted by the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, Nepal, has revealed that cancer is responsible for 11.11 per cent of total deaths in Nepal.

Of all the deaths in the country, the study reveals that over 40 per cent are attributed to lung and cervical cancer, with more than 20 thousand new cases reported annually. 

In response, the government is actively engaging health workers in all 77 districts through capacity-building initiatives. This strategy aims to enhance early detection and prevention of cancer.

To support cancer victims financially, the government has allocated funds from the Indigent Citizen Drug Treatment Fund, providing up to Rs. 100,000 for drug treatment. Additionally, provincial governments are extending assistance of up to an additional Rs. 100,000.

Efforts to curb tobacco consumption involve the implementation of the Tobacco Products (Control and Regulation) Act, 2068, the Tobacco Products (Control and Regulation) Regulations 2068, and other relevant guidelines.

In a move to prevent cervical cancer, the government is considering incorporating the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme for 9 to 14-year-old girls into the national vaccination initiative. As of 2080 BS, 10,000 girls have received the HPV vaccine. Furthermore, the government has released the Cervical Cancer Prevention Guidelines, 2080, outlining screening and prevention activities.

Every year, 25-30 thousand people suffer from cancer in Nepal, with more than half being women.