LAHORE: The University College of Medicine and Dentistry (UCMD), University of Lahore (UOL), in collaboration with the Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC), marked ‘Oral Cancer Awareness Month’ by organizing various activities, including a seminar, walks and free oral health camps, to sensitize people about the most common cancer in Pakistan.
Dr Zahid Pervez, Medical Superintendent of the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital (ULTH), was the guest of honour at the seminar where Prof Dr Riaz Ahmad Warraich, Dean Faculty of Dentistry, CPSP and Director Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, ULTH-UOL, was the keynote speaker.
Dr Warraich initiated an informative and interactive talk on the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of oral cancer, demonstrated clinical cases and shared his experiences in managing oral cancer patients. Prof Saima Chaudhry, Director CHPL, also addressed the participants and thanked PHC and the administration of UCMD for their support in organising the activities.
At the end of the seminar an oral cancer awareness walk was held in which the university students and faculty members participated to raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of oral cancer, which is one of the most common and deadly forms of cancer in Pakistan.
The participants carried banners inscribed with slogans and messages to educate the public about the oral cancer risk.
Similarly, awareness walks and free oral cancer screening camps were organised at the University Dental Hospital, the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital and Dental Clinic, The Noor Project.
The camps provided oral examination, counseling and referral services to the visitors, who were also given pamphlets carrying information about self-examination, and prevention of oral cancer.
Prof Mahwish Arooj, Principal, University College of Medicine and Dentistry, appreciated the efforts of the organising team led by Prof Dr Saima Chaudhry, other senior faculty members, including Prof Dr Ashfaq, Dr Wajiha Alamgir and Dr Arooj Ul Hassan.
In this connection, oral cancer community screening camps and screening clinics were also held at ULTH and University Dental Hospital, Raiwind Road, Lahore.
On the occasion, Prof Warraich talked about the menace of oral cancer and precautions against the disease.
