HYDERABAD: Health experts and doctors highlighted the critical importance of public awareness and early diagnosis in the management and prevention of breast cancer among women.
They urged the citizens, especially females, to actively disseminate breast cancer awareness as early detection can save numerous precious lives.
The experts said that Pakistan witnesses around 90,000 new breast cancer cases annually. The disease has a survival rate of over 98% when diagnosed in the early stages, but a late diagnosis is the primary cause of high mortality in the country. They expressed their views while addressing the breast cancer awareness seminar held by the Institute of Gender Studies (IGS), University of Sindh Jamshoro.
The experts said that October was recognized globally, including Pakistan, as breast cancer awareness month and revealed that Pakistan diagnosed approximately 90,000 cases of breast cancer in females annually, majorly attributed to a lack of awareness and limited access to diagnostic facilities.
Addressing the seminar, Prof. Dr. Misbah Bibi Qureshi, the Director of IGS, emphasized the potential reduction in breast cancer incidences through increased public awareness and early detection. She reiterated the institute’s commitment to raising awareness through seminars and social media initiatives throughout the month.
Joint Efforts to Fight Breast Cancer
Dr. Qureshi urged for comprehensive societal support for females facing breast cancer, including the provision of free medicines. She advocated joint efforts to educate females on preventive measures and access to free medical camps.
Dr. Qureshi expressed concern over the rising prevalence of breast cancer in the country and neighbouring nations, projecting an upward trend based on demographic shifts. She stressed that early-stage identification significantly impacted the reduction of the disease and mortality.
Dr. Binafsha Manzoor Syed, the Director of the Office of Research Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC), Liaquat Medical University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro, also highlighted the overwhelming prevalence of breast cancer in females. She urged females to conduct regular self-examinations for their well-being.
89% of Breast Cancer Patients Diagnosed at Later Stages
Dr. Binafsha said that 89% of breast cancer patients in Pakistan were diagnosed at later stages, with 59% at advanced stages due to a lack of awareness. She cited the fear of feminine sensitivity and stigmatization as barriers to early detection and treatment in low- and middle-income nations, discussing physical barriers, leading to psychosocial stress and reluctance for testing and treatment.
Dr. Sadat Memon, Assistant Prof. at the Department of Pharmacology, LUMHS Jamshoro, underscored that every 8th woman in Pakistan developed breast cancer at some point in her life, and many succumbed to it each year due to a lack of awareness.
Dr. Memon emphasized the significance of open communication and regular breast examinations, not only among elderly females but also among younger individuals.
