“No one is winning the war on cancer.” These sobering words from Dr Azra Raza, a globally renowned oncologist, author, and professor at Columbia University, resonated deeply with a captivated audience during her visit to LUMS. Dr Raza, known for her groundbreaking work in oncology and her philosophical approach to medicine, delivered a series of thought-provoking talks from November 20-22.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Quoting literary greats like Mirza Ghalib, Faiz Ahmad Faiz, and Emily Dickinson, Dr Raza seamlessly intertwined science, poetry, and the resilience of the human spirit. She urged a paradigm shift in cancer research and treatment, emphasizing the need to move from reactive care to proactive prevention. Despite decades of effort and billions of dollars spent, she noted that current cancer treatments still rely on the outdated triad of “slash, poison, and burn.”

In a collaborative session with Dr Stavroula Kousteni, a Professor of Biophysics at Columbia University, Dr Raza highlighted the importance of detecting cancer at its inception—the first cell—when wellness begins to transition into illness. Her acclaimed book, The First Cell: And the Human Costs of Pursuing Cancer to the Last, delves into this transformative approach, earning praise for its bold critique of conventional treatments.

Dr Raza’s philosophy bridges empathy, art, and science. Throughout her talks, she explored existential challenges, including climate change, through the lens of poetry, stating, “Not only is poetry possible in this age, it is precisely what we need to provide the helium for our sagging spirits.” Her evocative recitations of classic Urdu poetry and her profound interpretations inspired the audience to reconnect with their linguistic and cultural heritage. She called on students to embrace the richness of Urdu literature, describing it as a reservoir of wisdom and emotional resilience in an increasingly fast-paced world.

Drawing parallels between art and science, Dr Raza emphasized the collaborative nature of scientific progress. “Van Gogh could stand by himself and paint the starry nights—art is ‘I,’ but science is ‘we.’ It has to be a community effort,” she asserted, urging collective human action to address global challenges.

The sessions were hosted by key LUMS initiatives, including the Gurmani Centre for Languages and Literature, the Two Cultures Initiative, and the Ferozsons Initiative for Research Excellence. Moderated by LUMS faculty members such as Drs. Basit Bilal Koshul, Ali Usman Qasmi, Shaper Mirza, and Fatima Fayyaz, the events provided a platform for intellectual engagement and interdisciplinary dialogue.

Dr Raza’s talks attracted a diverse audience, including academics, business leaders, writers, and prominent figures from across Lahore. The venues were packed both in-person and via livestream, reflecting the broad appeal of her message. Her sessions served as a powerful call to action to rethink approaches to medicine and life’s greatest challenges. By blending science and art, Dr Raza left participants with a renewed appreciation for the power of words, the importance of community, and the urgent need for innovation in tackling the pressing issues of our time.

Table of Contents