Lahore, July 27, 2023 (PPI-OT): According to the International Association of Cancer Registries (IARC) reports, Pakistan is amongst those South Asian counties that have highest rates of oral cancer. In Pakistan, men are disproportionately affected by oral cancer, the main risk factors are the use of tobacco, areca nuts, betel leaves, terrible dental hygiene, presence of oncogenic viruses, and hereditary factors. In response to the alarming situation of oral cancer and to act as a model institution to alleviate the suffering of cancer patients, The University of Lahore (UOL) has established a state-of-the-art Oral and Maxillofacial Centre at University of Lahore Teaching Hospital (ULTH).
The Oral and Maxillofacial Centre is offering holistic cancer care to its patients through the application of modern methods of curative and palliative therapy irrespective of their ability to pay. The centre is helping in raising awareness, screening, diagnosis, and treatment of oral cancer in Pakistan under the leadership of Prof Dr Riaz Ahmed Warraich (Dean Faculty of Dentistry, Director of Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, ULTH). Since its establishment, hundreds of patients with oral malfunctioning have been operated on and 24 hours’ emergency services are being provided. The centre is providing resection, frozen section of tumour margins, reconstruction and rehabilitation by highly trained experts under one roof with a very nominal cost.
Early detection of cancer greatly increases the chances for successful treatment. So, the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery has initiated early diagnosis programmes aimed at reducing the proportion of patients who are diagnosed at a late stage. The diagnostic and treatment services are delivered at an affordable cost.
Moreover, to give due consideration to the epidemic of oral cancer in Pakistan with an increasing incidence and worsening morbidity and mortality, The University College of Medicine and Dentistry (UCMD) at UOL marked the “Oral Cancer Awareness Month” in collaboration with Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC). They organised multiple activities such as awareness seminar and walk. The seminar was attended by students and faculty members. Dr Zahid Pervez (MS, ULTH) was the guest of honor, whereas, the speaker of the seminar was Dr Warraich. He gave an informative and interactive talk on the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, treatment of oral cancer, demonstrated clinical cases and shared his experiences in managing oral cancer patients. Prof Saima Chaudhry (Director, CHPL) also addressed the participants and thanked PHC and the administration of UCMD for their support in organising the activities.
At the end of the seminar oral cancer awareness walk was held. The participants carried banners with slogans and messages to educate the public about the risk of oral cancer. Prof Dr Mahwish Arooj (Principal, University College of Medicine) appreciated the efforts of the organising team lead by Dr Saima, other senior faculty members including Prof Dr Ashfaq Ahmad, Dr Wajiha Alamgir and Dr Arooj Ul Hassan. In addition to the aforementioned measures, UOL also frequently sets up oral cancer community screening camps and oral cancer screening clinic at ULTH and University Dental Hospital, which provide oral examination, counselling and referral services.
For more information, contact:
The University of Lahore
1 – KM Defence Road, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-111-865-865, +92-42-35322501 +92-42-35321761
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.uol.edu.pk