Cancer Cases Double in Nepal Over Five Years

Kathmandu. The number of cancer patients in Nepal has doubled in the last five years. The number of cancer patients taking subsidies for treatment costs from the government has increased significantly, according to the Social Security and Nursing Division of the Department of Health Services. Director of the Division Hiradevi Niroula stated that the number of cancer patients, which was 15,187 in fiscal year 2077/78, increased to 28,678 in fiscal year 2081/82. She emphasized the need for the government and civil society to jointly conduct public awareness programs to prevent cancer, as a lack of public awareness is identified as a cause of the disease. According to the Division, 19,031 patients received treatment costs in fiscal year 2078/79, 16,696 in fiscal year 2079/80, and 22,153 in fiscal year 2080/81. The Division provides up to Rs 1 lakh for the treatment of cancer patients through the Poor Citizen Medicine Treatment Fund, while provincial governments also provide additional assistance of up to Rs 1 lakh. Cancer is defined as the abnormal growth of body cells and tissues, also known as a lump or tumor. In Nepal, lung cancer, cervical cancer, breast cancer, stomach cancer, and intestinal cancer are particularly prevalent. Among men, lung, stomach, intestinal, oral, and thyroid cancers are more common, while among women, cervical, breast, lung, gallbladder, and ovarian cancers are more frequently observed, according to the Division. Dr. Arun Shahi, a cancer specialist at Patan Academy of Health Sciences, explained that excessive alcohol consumption, use of tobacco products, diet, modern lifestyle, lack of rest, radiation exposure, and genetic factors cause cancer. He stated, 'We abandon traditional foods like rice, lentils, vegetables, and pickles and mostly consume fast food, junk food, smoking, alcohol, and grilled items. The risk of cancer is high due to lack of exercise and consumption of spoiled and stale food.' He added, 'Obesity is the second largest risk factor for cancer.' According to Dr. Shahi, cancer risk can be significantly reduced by controlling diet, rest, regular exercise, smoking, and alcohol consumption, as well as preventing obesity. In Nepal, lung cancer is the most common, followed by cervical cancer in women. The government provides free 'Human Papillomavirus' (HPV) vaccine for adolescent girls against cervical cancer. Government-level specialized cancer treatment facilities include Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital, Chitwan's BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital, and Sushil Koirala Cancer Hospital.