Islamabad: Around 9.6 million people die each year worldwide from cancer, more deaths than those caused by HIV/ AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis combined. If we do not act; World Health Organization experts project cancer deaths to rise to 13 million by 2030.
As one of the major drivers, changes in weather patterns as a result of climate change are affecting global environment and behaviors, which alter the magnitude and pattern of cancer risks, The Chief Guest Ms. Zartaj Gul Wazir (Minister of State for Climate Change) said. She was addressing the awareness seminar, patients and other participants on World Cancer Day at Shifa International Hospital (SIH).
She added that, Smog over cities, polluted drinking water, chemicals in food, use of plastic bags, poor air quality, these are just a few exposures in the environment that harm our health. Recently Federal Ministry of Climate Change is positively contributing to control environmental hazards, water resources, health and eventually nurturing a clean and green Pakistan.
She commended efforts of Shifa International Hospital to spread awareness in masses for early detection and prevention of cancer. She emphasized that, Our government is determined to make our environment healthy and clean for all. We are launching a program to distribute Energy Efficient Stoves for housewives in rural areas, for their safety against diseases related to lungs and eyes. She stressed the need to reduce consumptions of chemicals containing whitening creams.
