Health officials in Herat have reported to TOLOnews that cancer cases in the province have increased by 40% compared to last year.

According to statistics from Herat Regional Hospital, 240 new cancer cases have been registered in the hospital during the first six months of this year.

Farooq Ahmad Siddiqi, head of the Cancer Control Program at Herat Regional Hospital, told TOLOnews: “We had around 3,300 outpatient visits, among which approximately 240 new cancer cases were diagnosed and are now under our treatment. Additionally, we have hospitalized more than 3,400 patients.”

However, the country lacks sufficient facilities to treat many cancer patients. These patients have stated that due to poverty, they cannot afford treatment in neighboring countries.

Abdul Latif, a cancer patient, told TOLOnews: “Doctors are telling me to go abroad. I don’t have the financial means to travel and get treated outside. I am sitting here at the mercy of God, and whatever He wills will happen.”

Faisal Ahmad, another patient, said: “I don’t have the money. I need around 300,000 to 400,000 afghani to travel to Pakistan for treatment and then return.”

Hereditary diseases, unhealthy diets, polluted air, and the use of drugs and alcohol are cited as the main causes of cancer.

Bashir Ahmad Sadat, a doctor in Herat, told TOLOnews: “There are many causes of cancer, and genetics play a major role. The environment and weather also have a big impact. Furthermore, those who consume alcoholic beverages are more prone to various types of cancer.”

Cancer treatment involves three stages: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The first two stages of treatment are available in Herat, but radiation therapy is still not possible in the country, and patients must go to neighboring countries for this part of the treatment.