Zubair Qureshi
Spouse of President Arif Alvi, Samina Alvi on Friday called for awareness and self-examination which she said were vital in early diagnosis of breast cancer and could save lives from the otherwise deadly disease.
The first lady, addressing an awareness session on breast cancer held at Aiwan-e-Sadr, said breast cancer was treatable if diagnosed timely which was possible only through self-examination from time to time.
She also urged the women to share the disease with the family members without any hesitation.
She said the timely diagnosis and awareness could help save lives and also urged the women to spread messages to other women.
She hoped that the massive awareness would also help address the queries and doubts in women’s minds.
The first lady said hiding the disease in the name of taboo was not a solution rather it was essential to speak up on it to help the women get early diagnosis and thus protect their lives.
She advised the women to visit the doctor annually for clinical examination particularly those above 40 years of age as it was easy to treat the disease if detected timely.
The first lady told the audience that an awareness campaign was already in progress in cooperation with the public and private sector as several such events were also held on the subject.
The session included presentations on different important topics regarding breast cancer by Radiation Oncologists of Shifa International Hospital. Dr. Uzma Qasim, Radiation Oncologist, SIH began with an overview of breast cancer followed by the prevention.
Dr Hira Asim, Radiation Oncologist, SIH, highlighted the importance of early diagnosis including the self-examination that can be done by women at home.
Dr Uzma Qasim and Dr. Hira Asim explained to the audience that general risk factors of breast cancer include age, genetics, family history, Inherited factors, obesity, not having children, high breast density, certain breast changes, menstrual history, and sedentary lifestyle.
Dr. Farah Naz Ansari, Medical Director, Shifa Integrated Healthcare Technologies (SIHT), a sister organization of Shifa International Hospital in her closing remarks appreciated the efforts and interest of the first lady in leading the breast cancer awareness campaign in the country.
