Karachi’s iconic building, the Jinnah Mausoleum (Mazaar-e-Quaid) was illuminated in pink on Friday night.
On this occasion, Dr. Muhammed Aasim Yusuf, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centres, addressed a press-conference at the Pink Illumination Ceremony.
He said that every year, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust organises an extensive campaign to educate the public about the importance of early detection of breast cancer.
In the past few years, SKMT has expanded its awareness activities and this includes illuminating landmark buildings in pink, which is the colour associated with breast cancer awareness worldwide. The illuminated buildings aim to raise awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer.
Commenting on the disease incidence, Dr Yusuf said, “Breast cancer is the commonest cancer in women worldwide and Pakistan has one of the highest incidences of breast cancer in Asia. In South-Central Asia, Pakistan has the second highest incidence rate.
Over the years, breast cancer continues to be the highest reported malignancy at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centres in Lahore and in Peshawar.”
He went on to say, “SKMT has been raising awareness on the subject of breast cancer for the past two decades.
According to an estimate, the ten-year survival rate for all types of breast cancer has improved by an encouraging figure of 25 to 30 % over this period.
While this improvement showsa better understanding of the disease, earlier detection and improvement in treatment of breast cancer, we need to sustain our awareness efforts to improve outcomes for breast cancer patients.