The medical community in Pakistan is grappling with a puzzling rise in early-onset cancer cases among young adults. Once considered a disease primarily affecting older populations, cancer is now increasingly being diagnosed in people under 50. Doctors and researchers are left searching for answers, as this shift is raising concerns about environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors contributing to the alarming trend.
Experts believe changes in diet, increased exposure to pollutants, and rising stress levels are major contributors to this surge in cancer cases among younger Pakistanis. Oncologists have also pointed out the growing prevalence of cancers like breast, colon, and liver cancer among this age group, particularly in urban areas such as Karachi and Lahore.
Health organizations in Pakistan are calling for urgent research to understand the causes behind this rise. Public health campaigns have been launched to promote early detection, urging young adults to undergo routine check-ups. Yet, access to quality healthcare remains a challenge in many parts of the country, making it difficult for those in rural areas to catch the disease in its early stages.
Cancer support groups in Pakistan are also stepping up efforts to raise awareness, offering emotional and financial assistance to those affected. With early-onset cancer becoming a growing concern, the country’s healthcare infrastructure faces increased pressure to provide solutions and support to younger patients battling the disease.