SUKKUR, Pakistan: Pakistan’s has the highest rate of breast cancer in Asia and one out of 9 women are at risk of contracting the disease in their lifetimes.
These were the views expressed by an expert during an awareness seminar on Breast Cancer, held here Friday.
The Coordinator Health Communication Component (HCC) Firdous Jumani said that in Pakistan, a recent reports revealed that breast cancer is increasing at an alarming rate among women aged 18 to 22.
Hundreds of female students from various colleges of Sukkur, Khairpur, Larkana and other districts participated in the seminar.
Firdous emphasized that it is the right of every woman to know about fatal diseases and society should support their cause rather than considering the issue a social taboo.
She informed that hundreds of young women will be educated about breast cancer in the month of October in collaboration with a several development organizations.
Dr Huma said that early detection of breast cancer is the mantra to improve treatment outcomes, longevity and quality of life.
While sharing the challenges in combatting breast cancer, she said Pakistan has to overcome countless barriers such as illiteracy, misconception, social stigma and lack of medical facility.
She also pointed out some ethical issues in the detection and treatment of the disease.
“Girls should start self-examination of their breasts from the age of 18. Women are still hesitant to come in for screening. They are afraid of cancer and think they will never get it. Even educated persons think cancer means death, but it is not so”, she added.
She called breast cancer a “Sad Disease” as it occurs at an early age and is diagnosed at a very late stage.
Dr Farzana, Dr Shahid and others also spoke.
Source: APP
