ISLAMABAD: On Friday, First Lady Samina Alvi urged hospitals, non-governmental organizations, and civil society to collaborate on enhancing screening facilities in medical setups for the early detection of breast cancer among women.
Speaking at a breast cancer awareness event organized by Maroof International Hospital in collaboration with the National Press Club at Aiwan-e-Sadr, she emphasized the significance of early diagnosis through mammograms and ultrasound, noting that it could significantly increase the survival rate of patients by 98 percent.
The event aimed to highlight the importance of an awareness campaign against breast cancer, which currently claims the lives of 40,000 women annually in the country. Samina Alvi showed satisfaction with the increased reporting of breast cancer cases in the first and second stages, attributing it to her ongoing campaign from the platform of the Presidency.
As part of the breast cancer awareness drive, she highlighted that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, through cellular services, disseminated 140 million text messages and ringtones in Urdu. These messages provided information to the general public about breast cancer, its symptoms, self-examination, and timely treatment.
Samina Alvi urged women to conduct a five-minute self-examination monthly and seek medical advice promptly if they detect any abnormal lump.
Commending Maroof International Hospital, she mentioned that they offer discounted mammograms and ultrasounds for breast cancer detection until December 31 and called other hospitals to follow suit. She urged national and local media to continue raising awareness about the disease throughout the year.
CEO of Maroof International Hospital, Haroon Naseer, pledged continued support for the breast cancer awareness program through screening facilities at his hospital.
A panel discussion during the event featured doctors from the oncology, radiology, and gynecology departments, emphasizing the importance of early screening. The medical experts guided women on approaching medical advice after detecting a lump during self-examination and recommended screening and mammograms for women above 40.
