Govt urged to strengthen diagnostic, treatment facilities for breast cancer

Academia, health experts stress early detection and public awareness as key to saving lives amid rising breast cancer burden in Pakistan.

KARACHI: Events marking Pink October — the internationally observed month for breast cancer awareness — drew large participation from women of all ages in Karachi, wherein experts urged them to stay vigilant about their health as they may be at risk of developing the life-threatening disease that affects millions of women worldwide.

Despite the absence of a national cancer registry or organised data system on breast cancer, universities and health-related organisations in the city shared alarming estimates and updates i.e. around 92,000 new breast cancer cases are reported every year across Pakistan, with many of them going undiagnosed or untreated due to lack of timely screening and care.

Experts and participants at these events once again called on governments at all levels to strengthen diagnostic and treatment facilities in line with growing public health concerns over breast cancer.

Growing risk for young women

Speaking at a symposium orgainsed by Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), the experts said that breast cancer cases were alarmingly on the rise among young Pakistani women. Expressing concern over the deeply alarming situation, DUHS Pro Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Jahan Ara Hasan said that even women under the age of 25 were being diagnosed with breast cancer, and urged the young women to ensure regular self-examinations in order to note any lump or unusual change.

“Women over the age of 30 should undergo regular medical checkups. Earlier, such screening was mainly emphasised for women above 40, but since early diagnosis can save lives, it is crucial that awareness and preventive practices begin much earlier,” she added.

The symposium was organised by the Dow Institute of Radiology (DIR), which was also addressed by DIR Director Dr Nasreen Naz, Dr Anila Naz, Dr Samita Asad, Dr Ayesha, Dr Umaima Saleem, Dr Nosheen Fatima, Dr Shaista Afzal, and Dr Paras.

Professor Naz highlighted that over 2.3 million women in Pakistan were suffering from breast cancer, making the country one of the most affected in the world. She said that globally, 109 women die every 24 hours due to breast cancer, while Pakistan records around 90,000 new cases annually, which was a highly concerning figure.

Dr Anila Raheem noted that breast cancer accounts for 21 per cent of all cancers diagnosed in women globally. “Even a painless lump can be a sign of cancer, while painful ones are often infections,” she explained, urging students to develop analytical awareness on such health issues.

Early, inclusive screening

Separately, Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) arranged an awareness session stressing early detection and inclusive screening. JSMU Vice Chancellor Prof Amjad Siraj Memon highlighted how the early detection and increased awareness were crucial in the fight against breast cancer.

The JSMU session titled “Early Diagnosis, Better Outcomes” highlighting the medical students’ responsibility was organised by the university’s Institute of Family Medicine (IFM) at the JSMU campus in collaboration with other units of the university.

Head of IFM, Dr Kiran, stressed the need for formulating a comprehensive screening strategy. “While our primary focus remains on women, it is vital to recognise that breast cancer does not discriminate by gender. We must also stress the screening of males, particularly those with a family history, to ensure truly inclusive and effective early detection efforts.”

Surgeon Dr Syeda Zarreen Raza added that breast cancer was a treatable disease, especially when diagnosed early. “With increased awareness and access to screening, we can save thousands of lives in Pakistan each year.”

Increasing breast cancer caseloads

Similar event was also organised at Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi, under the supervision of Dr Shumaila Khero, Head of the Oncology Department, with CHK Medical Superintendent Dr Syed Khalid Bukhari as the chief guest.

Speakers of the event included Dr Maliha Ashfaq, Prof Dr Farhat Jalil, Dr Nouman from Ziauddin Hospital; Dr Marium Nouman and Dr Omema from DUHS; and Dr Yusra and Dr Shumaila Beyg from JPMC and SIUT, respectively; and Dr Shabnam, a CHK radiologist.

Faculty members, doctors, nursing staff, and healthcare workers from different wards attended the session, reflecting a strong commitment to promoting women’s health and the importance of early diagnosis of breast cancer, said Dr Khero, who also shared that CHK has received 170 new breast cancer cases till September this year, compared to 220 cases of 2024. “The hospital registered a maximum of 320 such cases in 2023 during the last five years,” he mentioned.

Mass screening, central registry

Speaking at a seminar, organised by National Forum of Environment and Health (NFEH), the experts, including medical practitioners, researchers and social activists, demanded mass screening of women and setting up of a central cancer registry under the government’s initiative.

Dr Sara Arif, Head of Surgery at Memon Medical Institute Hospital, stressed that early screening and prompt consultation with qualified doctors were vital for prevention and recovery. “Breast cancer is not confined to older women since young women in Pakistan are increasingly being diagnosed as well,” she said, adding: “Early detection not only ensures a higher survival rate but also reduces treatment costs, which remain unaffordable for most middle- and lower-income families due to the absence of comprehensive health insurance coverage in the country.”

Dr Sadaf Hafeez Chauhan, Head of the Psychology Department at Salim Habib University, highlighted the psychological toll of breast cancer, underscoring the need for emotional support and counselling to strengthen patients’ willpower during treatment.

Dr Bilquis Sheikh, Ruth Zia, Afia Salam, Ruqiya Naeem, and Mohammad Naeem Quraishi also spoke at the NFEH event.

Report courtesy: Social Track, Karachi.

Photos courtesy: NFEH, CHK, DUHS, JSMU