Brief
Study finds one‑third of Balochistan biopsy samples malignant amid limited oncology services
A multi‑year study shows high cancer diagnoses in Balochistan while the province relies on a single public oncology centre.
By Felo News Desk · Published
A study published in the Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan examined 16,342 tissue biopsy specimens from Balochistan between 2021 and 2024, finding that 5,145 (31.5%) were malignant, according to dailytimes.com.pk.
What happened
The research covered biopsies taken over a three‑year period across the province. Men accounted for 52% of the malignant cases and women 48%. The authors note the data reflect only samples sent for testing, not the overall cancer prevalence in the population.
What the report adds
The article highlights that Balochistan has just one comprehensive public nuclear medicine and oncology hospital – the Center for Nuclear Medicine and Radiotherapy (CENAR) in Quetta – run by the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission. A paediatric oncology unit operates within Quetta’s Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Hospital under the Indus Hospital and Health Network. Public health updates cited in the piece say CENAR’s patient load is rising by 10‑15% annually, yet the centre is staffed by only four specialist doctors and five nurses for the entire province.
What was said
The author writes, “A son of Balochistan with a plan,” referring to Abdul Malik, a young provincial resident who is seeking to build a dedicated cancer hospital in Quetta and has attracted overseas donors.
How it came about
The study’s findings underscore the logistical challenges families face in a province where long distances and limited transport make accessing treatment difficult. The article links these challenges to the broader health infrastructure gaps, noting that each stage of care often requires hours or days of travel, additional lodging costs, and lost wages for patients and families.
Key facts
- 31.5% of 16,342 Balochistan biopsy samples were malignant (5,145 cases). (dailytimes.com.pk)
- Men accounted for 52% and women 48% of malignant cases. (dailytimes.com.pk)
- Balochistan has one public oncology centre, CENAR in Quetta, with four specialist doctors and five nurses. (dailytimes.com.pk)
- CENAR’s patient load is growing 10‑15% per year. (dailytimes.com.pk)
- Abdul Malik is planning a dedicated cancer hospital in Quetta, backed by overseas donors. (dailytimes.com.pk)
Sources
- [1] dailytimes.com.pk — originally reported as “A Dream For Balochistan”
