KARACHI: Former First Lady of Pakistan, Begum Samina Alvi, has called for a mass awareness campaign at the neighborhood level to encourage Pakistani women to regularly self-examine for early signs of breast cancer, which has the highest incidence rate in Asia.
She made this appeal while addressing a seminar on “Breast Cancer Prevention and Wellness,” organized by the National Forum for Environment and Health (NFEH) in conjunction with the International Day Against Breast Cancer, observed annually on October 19.
Begum Alvi highlighted that mammogram screenings are prohibitively expensive for many women from low- and middle-income families, and there is a significant lack of specialized public healthcare facilities offering such services in Pakistan. As a result, self-examination is the most accessible and effective first line of defense against breast cancer.
She emphasized that the proposed neighborhood awareness drive should extend throughout the year, rather than being confined to October, which is globally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Breast cancer, she noted, should not be viewed as a taboo topic but as a serious health issue requiring early detection to safeguard the health of women across Pakistan. She also stressed the importance of providing psychological counseling for emotional support and rehabilitation for cancer patients and survivors.
Additionally, she urged male members of society to be informed about breast cancer, enabling them to support the women in their families through early diagnosis and treatment. “A collective effort is crucial against the alarming rise of breast cancer, with up to 100,000 new cases detected in Pakistan each year,” said Begum Alvi.
She reaffirmed her commitment to establishing more specialized healthcare and rehabilitation facilities in Pakistan for cancer patients, individuals with disabilities, and those facing mental health challenges.
Dr. Bushra Maham from Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital and Research Centre noted that developed countries experience lower breast cancer rates due to better access to diagnosis and treatment. She revealed that 22 percent of patients treated at Shaukat Khanum are breast cancer patients, the highest percentage among various cancers.
Dr. Maham urged women over 40 to undergo annual mammogram screenings, as older women are at increased risk for breast cancer.
Dr. Zubala Yasir Lufti, an assistant professor at the University of Karachi, emphasized that a healthy diet and lifestyle can help urban women reduce their cancer risk. She advised cancer patients to limit sugar intake to decrease the chances of cancer cell regrowth.
Ruth Zia, a lecturer at the College of Nursing at Sindh Government Hospital, advocated for exercise as a crucial part of women's daily routines for overall health.
Afia Salam, a senior journalist and breast cancer survivor, stressed that women should have full autonomy in making health decisions, and that those with a family history of cancer should seek genetic testing for early detection.
NFEH Secretary General Ruqiya Naeem called on the government to significantly expand breast cancer diagnosis and treatment facilities, particularly in major public hospitals, given the disease's alarming prevalence.
At the event, Begum Samina Alvi was presented with a special memento in recognition of her long-standing efforts to raise awareness about breast cancer, mental health, and the rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities in Pakistan.