A recent study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Southeast Asia emphasises the urgent need for a unified national cancer registry in Pakistan to enhance cancer surveillance and policymaking.

The study, co-authored by experts from Aga Khan University and other institutions, highlights the country’s significant cancer burden, with approximately 185,748 new cases and over 118,631 related deaths recorded in 2022.

Currently, Pakistan has 17 fragmented cancer registries, with only 19 of its 129 cities contributing data. Many face operational challenges and inconsistent data collection. The study calls for coordinated action and government leadership to establish a comprehensive national registry for effective cancer control.

The Aga Khan University Cancer Registry (AKU-CR), established in 2009, exemplifies a successful model, having recorded over 71,900 cases. Despite initiatives such as the National Action Plan for Non-Communicable Diseases, achieving uniform data collection remains a significant challenge. Experts emphasise that a national registry is essential for addressing the rising incidence of cancer in Pakistan by enhancing public health efforts and resource allocation.