Strides In Cancer Treatment

Cancer is the second leading cause of deaths globally, with around 10 million deaths per year due to the disease, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). But, survival rates are improving for many types of cancer, thanks to improvements in screening, treatment and prevention. Lung cancer remains the most common cancer in men while breast cancer is the most prevalent among women. The cancer burden has continued to grow globally, taking physical, emotional and financial toll on individuals, families, communities and health systems. Many health systems in low-income countries had been ill-equipped to deal with this burden. Compounding the problem was patients' lack of access to timely diagnosis and treatment.  

There is good news, however. Things are improving for the better. Survival rate is improving in many such countries, with Nepal being a case in point, thanks to increasing access to early detection, quality treatment and survivors' care. In Nepal, until a few years ago, people had no option but to go abroad, especially India, to diagnose and treat the disease. But when BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital, Bharatpur, Chiwan, started offering cancer diagnosis and treatment services in 1999, it obviated the need to go abroad to some extent. The problem was still that, since it was the only hospital providing the services, the services were limited in reach. That forced many unserved or underserved patients to look abroad for treatment.

But that was long back. With many hospitals now offering specialised treatment services, patients no longer need to seek treatment abroad.  This expansion has also made cancer treatment and surgeries much more accessible nationwide. Improving things further, BP Koirala Hospital has now extended its networks to the provincial level, and both the government and private hospitals are prioritising cancer treatment. Both the federal and provincial governments offer financial support for cancer treatment, with the former providing Rs. 100, 000 and the latter offering Rs. 50,000. Over the years, the country has also been able to develop skilled manpower and install modern technology for cancer treatment. 

This year, cancer treatment services have been extended to Surkhet Provincial Hospital, Pokhara, Institute of Health Sciences and Seti Provincial Hospital in Dhangadhi. Skilled doctors from BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital visit these facilities to assist in diagnosing and treating cancer patients. In addition, government hospitals such as Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital and Sushil Koirala Prakhar Cancer Hospital in Nepalgunj, Banke, have started offering cancer treatment. Bir Hospital and TU Teaching Hospital Maharjganj have also launched cancer units. Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital has also expanded its services to Koshi Hospital in Biratnagar and Narayani Hospital in Birgunj. 

Private hospitals, including Chitwan Medical College Cancer Institute, Birat Cancer Centre, Purbanchal Cancer Centre, Kathmandu Cancer Centre, Nepal Cancer Hospital, and National Cancer Hospital are also playing a vital role in cancer research, diagnosis and treatment. With such developments, there have been cases where many patients who initially opted to fly abroad for treatment have eventually returned home to continue their treatment. Cancer diagnosis and treatment within Nepal are now arguably both high-quality and effective. Besides, as reported by a number of patients, the treatment here is much more affordable and accessible than in neighbouring India. But resting on the laurels is not an option, nor will it ever be. As artificial intelligence brings breakthrough after breakthrough to cancer treatment, we cannot risk falling behind in their adoption.