Kathmandu, June 22

The number of cancer patients is increasing alarmingly in the country.

Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital recorded a total of 68,441 cancer patients in the year 2017 alone.

The hospital recorded 28,366 cancer patients in the year 2012, 34,202 in 2013, 39,191 in 2014, 41,943 in 2015 and 58,873 in 2016.

The data clearly shows a steady rise in the number of cancer patients.

From among all cancer patients, the number of patients suffering from cervical cancer is the highest followed by lung cancer and breast cancer respectively.

“Changing lifestyle, smoking, pollution, alcohol intake, obesity and exposure to radiation are the major causes of cancer in Nepal,” said Dr Ujjwal Chalise, oncologist at Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital.

“Similarly, increasing use of insecticides and pesticides also contributes to rise in cancer cases.

As pollution is also one of the causes of cancer, the government should immediately take steps to reduce pollution,” added the doctor.

Regulations should be made to control use of pesticides and insecticides, said the doctor. To avoid cancer one must take nutritious diet, exercise and avoid tobacco and alcohol.

Cancer treatment is possible if detected on time. Anyone with family history of cancer must be aware and visit the hospital for regular check-up, advised Dr Chalise.

As per World Health Organisation, cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide.

The number of new cases is expected to rise by about 70 per cent over the next two decades.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, and was responsible for 8.8 million deaths in 2015.

Globally, nearly one in six deaths is due to cancer. Approximately 70 per cent of deaths from cancer occur in low- and middle-income countries.