National Cancer Conference 2026 begins at LUMHS Jamshoro

HYDERABAD  –  The National Cancer Conference 2026 began at Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS), Jamshoro on Monday, bringing together medical experts, researchers and healthcare professionals to discuss advances in cancer treatment and care. The three-day conference, being held from October 19 to 21, is themed “Improving Cancer Care through Innovation, Accessibility and Collaboration.” According to LUMHS spokesperson Yasir Rajput, the conference program includes nine training workshops held before and after the main event, three awareness and screening camps, 34 special lectures and 55 research papers. More than 500 participants are attending the event.

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Welcoming the participants, LUMHS Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Ikram Din Ujjan said the conference reflected a commitment to bringing science and humanity together, translating knowledge into practical action and creating hope for cancer patients and their families through research.

He said the fundamental objectives of cancer care included prevention wherever possible, timely diagnosis, evidence-based treatment and ensuring dignity, compassion and hope for every patient. Dr Ujjan expressed the hope that the conference would lead to new research projects, stronger institutional collaboration, improvements in treatment practices, greater public awareness and measurable improvements in patient outcomes.

He also highlighted the importance of modern technology, creative thinking, team work, discipline and consistent improvement, while appreciating the efforts of all those involved in organizing the event. He expressed confidence that the program would produce positive outcomes and provide lasting benefits to society.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Dr Abdul Majeed Chaudhry, Head of Surgery at Cancer Care Hospital and Research Centre Lahore and Dean of Lahore Medical and Dental College, discussed the medical, psychological and social challenges associated with breast cancer among young women. He said that in treating younger patients, doctors needed to give particular consideration to hereditary risks, tumour characteristics, disease stage, fertility, pregnancy plans, marital life, body image and long-term quality of life.

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According to him, treatment decisions should not focus solely on controlling the tumour but should also take into account the patient’s future well-being.

Citing hospital data, Dr Chaudhry said breast cancer was the most common cancer among Pakistani women and a significant proportion of patients were diagnosed before the age of 40.

He identified hereditary factors, a family history of cancer, previous radiation therapy to the chest, reproductive and hormonal factors and lifestyle as potential risk factors. However, he pointed out that no specific risk factor could be identified in many patients.

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He stressed that a breast lump in a young woman should not automatically be considered harmless. Proper evaluation and treatment were essential, with hereditary factors, fertility and long-term quality of life taken into consideration.

President of the Pakistan Society of Surgical Oncology Professor Muhammad Farooq Afzal highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary team work in cancer treatment while discussing a complex case involving a sarcoma in the shoulder.He said effective cancer treatment required the involvement of specialists from different medical disciplines, close collaboration and the ability to adapt according to the circumstances of each case.

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He identified five key characteristics of high-performing teams including effective leadership, monitoring each other’s performance, supporting colleagues when needed, adapting to changing circumstances and prioritizing the interests of the team.

He said shared understanding, clear and continuous communication and mutual trust strengthened these qualities.

Prof Afzal recommended holding regular weekly meetings, maintaining accurate records of decisions and clearly assigning responsibility for patients’ follow-up care.

Meanwhile, Professor Muhammad Umar, founding VC of Rawalpindi Medical University, highlighted several major challenges facing medical education in Pakistan. These included low student attendance in classes, shortages of faculty, curriculum-related issues, weak research culture, shortcomings in faculty training and performance evaluation systems, communication gaps between universities and the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP), regulatory concerns and disparities between public and private institutions.

He also drew attention to weaknesses in employment and salary systems, the migration of doctors abroad, declining admissions to medical institutions and a reduction in the number of medical graduates beginning their house jobs.

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