Kabul, Afghanistan – The Afghanistan Cancer Foundation has expressed deep concern over the steady and alarming rise in cancer cases across the country. The foundation announced that at least 1.5 million people are currently suffering from this serious disease. Additionally, approximately 50,000 new cases are recorded annually, according to official statistics released on Saturday, September 11. These figures were compiled based on data from the Taliban-run Ministry of Public Health and reports from international organizations.
Major Types of Cancer and Factors Contributing to Their Spread
In statements made to the Taliban-controlled national television station, Shafiq Shinwari, head of the Afghan Cancer Foundation, explained that national and international estimates indicate breast and uterine cancers among women—alongside lung, stomach, prostate, and colon cancers among men—are the most common and widespread types of the disease in the country. He added that cancer ranks second only to heart disease as a leading cause of death among Afghan citizens each year. For his part, Dr. Rahim Gul Darwish, a cancer specialist, pointed to several key factors exacerbating the spread of the disease. Prominent among these are cigarette smoking and the use of tobacco products, as well as a lack of adherence to general hygiene practices. He also noted that poor dietary habits play a significant role in the situation.
Health System Challenges and the Emigration of Medical Personnel
Regarding treatment, Sharafat Zaman Amarkhail, spokesperson for the Taliban-run Ministry of Public Health, stated that dozens of cancer treatment centers are currently operating in the country. However, he noted that the healthcare system faces serious challenges and obstacles, primarily a lack of the modern equipment and facilities required to provide comprehensive care. It is worth noting that reports indicate hundreds of medical specialists and healthcare professionals have emigrated from Afghanistan to Western nations since the Taliban returned to power—a trend that has exacerbated the crisis.
Difficulties of travel and medical treatment abroad
In the same vein, Afghan patients have faced additional obstacles; while those suffering from illness previously used to travel to Pakistan for treatment, the closure of border crossings and strict restrictions on the issuance of Pakistani visas have hindered their access to medical services. Doctors emphasize that cancer requires continuous care and regular visits to specialists; however, a lack of facilities and border restrictions are compounding the risk of death for many patients.
