With the advances in cancer treatment we see more cancer survivors now – Dr. Naila Zahid

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With the advances in cancer treatment we see more cancer survivors now – Dr. Naila Zahid

Dr. Naila Zahid, is the Head of Oncology Department at Liaquat National Hospital. She is also a Diplomate of American Board of Internal Medicine, Haematology and Oncology. She was recently interviewed by Muhammad Fareed, Publisher & Managing Editor, Medical Review, in which she spoke about the various aspects of cancer especially breast cancer. Following are the excerpts of the interview.

Q1 – Please tell us something about yourself.

Ans – I did my graduation from Sindh Medical College. In 1990, I left for America for my Residency from University of Massachussetts. Later on in 1999, I did my fellowship in Haematology and Oncology from Boston University. I have worked in Ziauddin Hospital and for last 5 years, I am working in Liaquat National Hospital as a consultant oncologist. My interest is to treat patients and do research also.

Q2 – What are the different cancers your encounter and which are more prevalent.

Ans – In Pakistan, we encounter all kinds of cancers including head & neck cancer, breast cancer,lung cancer, bones cancer, intestine cancer, thyroid cancer, lymphoma  etc, but breast cancer is commonest in all. As compared to Western World, Pakistan has a high number of mouth and throat cancer patients whereas liver cancer is also very common.

Q3 – What is the incidence of breast cancer. Is there institutional record to know more about the incidence.

Ans – We don’t have computerized record and we don’t have any statistics to figure out the incidence of breast cancer. In Pakistan, every 8th to 9th women have breast cancer.

Q4 – What is the level of treatment of cancer and breast cancers. What further facilities are needed to improve treatment.

Ans – There are 3 modalities for the treatment of breast cancer which include Surgery/Operation, Medical treatment/Chemotherapy and Radiation.

In Pakistan, we have all three facilities. Surgery and Chemotherapy facility is also available in our hospital but Radiation facility is not available.

Q5 – There is need of awareness campaigns. In which areas and ways it can be arranged.

Ans – There is need to create awareness about cancers. There are two levels of creating awareness. One is for the patients and general public and the second level of awareness is for General Practitioners (GPs). There is need to create awareness on these two level. TV Program and radio should be used for awareness of patients and general public and for GPs, CME programs should be used.

Q6 – What is the role of pharma companies in creating awareness.

Ans – Pharma companies can help us in arranging different awareness campaigns, medical camps and publishing literatures.

Q7 – Have awareness been introduced among women for breast cancer.

Ans – Awareness is much needed in women about breast cancer. There should be different awareness programs for women. Medical camps should be setup in Urban and rural areas for their checkups. Government support is this regard is very important.

Q8 – How is hormonal therapy effective in breast cancer. When is preference given to hormonal therapy for breast cancer treatment.

Ans – Breast cancer is a hormone dependent cancer. Female hormone including estrogen and progesterone are responsible for the growth of a particular type of breast cancer.  Blocking of these hormones through hormonal therapy is an effective tool for treatment of breast cancer.It can be part of the post operative treatment after chemotherapy, and an option for patients who cant tolerate chemo.

Q11 – Are the students is medical colleges are getting sufficient teaching in the subject of Oncology. If not then what do you suggest in improving the teaching standard.

Ans – Oncology is very specialized field.  There is need to give exposure to Oncology during house job so that when these doctors start practicing they should diagnose cancer early and should identify patients at risk of cancer and do proper screening of these patients  

Q12 – The GPs have the role of referring cases to cancer hospitals when patients come to them. It is general impression this they do not effective follow this practice. Do you agree and what can we do about it.

Ans – GPs first identify cancer patients and then refer to cancer hospital. The patients which come through GPs usually have advanced diseases and are diagnosed late.Thats why they need more orientation about cancer diagnosis.

Q13 – Anything you wish to add.

Ans – My slogan is always “Prevention is better than cure”. People are aware of few cancers including lung cancer. Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for lung cancer and head and neck cancer so the best way to prevent is to not start or quit smoking. Government should increase the price of cigarette so that it becomes more difficult for people to purchase it. Children should be educated at an early stage with no smoking campaigns. Knowledge of signs and symptoms of cancer should be told through media education.

There are also few other factors responsible for occurrences which includes Pan, Gutka, Mainpuri, Naswar, Beatle Nuts and Tobacco chewing. To keep the public conscious about their health, electronic and print media should be properly utilized by the health professional in this regard.

2017-04-26T12:35:38+00:00