ISLAMABAD, Feb 03: National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has highlighted the imperative need for heightened awareness, early diagnosis, and coordinated efforts to combat cancer, describing it as a global issue affecting people of all ages, genders, and nationalities.
In a statement released on World Cancer Day, the speaker emphasized that this annual observance serves as a crucial reminder of the significance of timely detection, effective treatment, and preventive measures to alleviate the disease’s burden.
Addressing this year’s theme, ‘United by Unique’, Ayaz Sadiq noted that each cancer patient’s journey is distinct and stressed that health policies must accommodate individual patient needs. He highlighted the shared responsibility among governments, healthcare professionals, civil society, media, and the public to address this challenge effectively.
Sadiq acknowledged advances in research and medical facilities that have improved outcomes but stated that healthy lifestyles, regular medical check-ups, and early diagnosis remain vital. He called for collaborative efforts to increase awareness about cancer risks and promote prompt screenings.
Reaffirming the parliament’s commitment to enhancing the healthcare sector, Sadiq mentioned that legislative measures would continue to support improved access to cancer treatment and research. He pointed to the national HPV vaccination campaign initiated in September 2025, which offers free vaccines to girls aged 9 to 14 to prevent cervical cancer, the second most common cancer among women.
He urged parents to ensure their daughters receive the vaccines and appealed to civil society and the media to dispel misconceptions. The speaker commended the Punjab government and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for advancing cancer care facilities, particularly through the establishment of Pakistan’s first state-of-the-art Co-EBL Cancer Treatment Centre in Lahore, designed to expand access to modern treatments for underprivileged patients.
Expressing solidarity with cancer patients and their families, Ayaz Sadiq called on society to adopt a compassionate and supportive approach to empower patients to face the disease with confidence. Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah also underscored the urgency of boosting cancer awareness and ensuring equitable access to healthcare, advocating for a coordinated national strategy to tackle this challenge.
