Social media awareness for breast cancer imperative: Arif Alvi

ISLAMABAD: Arif Alvi, President of the Islamic Republic, urged social media influencers to raise breast cancer awareness and emphasise the importance of frequent self-examinations for early diagnosis.

In a speech to social media influencers as part of a breast cancer awareness campaign, the president stated that social media might help raise awareness about breast cancer and reduce the death rate in Pakistan caused by this dreadful illness. He stated that if breast cancer was diagnosed early, 99 per cent of patients might be spared and lead everyday, healthy lives.

"If the cancer is discovered and treated at the third and fourth stages, the 5-year survival rate is up to 86 per cent and 28 per cent, respectively," he continued. Arif Alvi said that the incidence of breast cancer was most significant in South Asia compared to other regions and much higher in Pakistan owing to the absence of screening programs.

Due to the limited number of screening equipment, our country lacks the means to provide clinical screening facilities to all breast cancer patients. However, the same function may be done by the women themselves. He said that if women discover development in or around their breasts, they should immediately seek medical attention.

Arif Alvi stated that breast cancer incidence might be reduced by adopting a better lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and abstinence from smoking, drinking, and other drugs.

Arif Alvi further stated that women must be financially and economically empowered and be able to conduct their regular tasks without fear of harassment, intimidation, or intimidation.

Arif Alvi remarked that social media influencers should utilise innovative strategies to raise breast cancer awareness among the general public, particularly in small towns and rural areas.

He noted that innovative visuals, movies, and other items created with cultural and societal norms in mind might benefit in spreading the message of early detection, self-examination, and prompt medical assistance. Arif Alvi indicated that the stigma around breast cancer must be eliminated by teaching both male and female members of the public at all levels, especially in schools, colleges, and universities.

Arif Alvi highlighted that according to Islamic beliefs, women should nurse their infants for at least two years. However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that infants should not be given water or other sustenance during the first six months.

He stated that appropriate nutrition for the mother and child was essential to prevent stunting during the first one thousand days of life.

"Unfortunately, the stunting rate in Pakistan is approximately 40 per cent, which is exceedingly high. This has a negative impact on the mental and physical health of children, as well as the nation's production, efficiency, and prosperity," he said.

He urged the social media influencers to contribute to Begum Samina Alvi's efforts, which had been vital for four years in raising breast cancer awareness. He noted that, due to her efforts, the rate of early-stage breast cancer cases has been growing by 10% per year.

Arif Alvi said that a successful awareness campaign on early diagnosis and self-examination would lower the strain on the public health system and aid in avoiding chemo, radio, and other costly surgical treatments.

Begum Samina Alvi, addressing the event, stated that early detection is the only approach to control and prevent breast cancer incidence.

Previously, oncologist Dr Fauzia Abdus Samad underlined the need to lead a healthier lifestyle and do self-examinations and mammograms to detect cancer in its early stages and obtain treatment without incurring high costs.

Many social media users attended the interactive session and posed questions to which the president, Samina Alvi, and Dr Fauzia responded.