Speakers in a symposium organized by the All Pakistan Women Association (APWA) said Breast Cancer awareness is not just a call to action rather its a lifeline for countless women who are fighting a battle in the shadows.
They informed that in a country where cultural norms often hinder discussions on women’s health, breast cancer remains a silent epidemic. A good number of notable women including Rizma Waheed, Naseem Baloch, Mehwish Abdul Haq, Musarat Sheikh, Humaira Fareed, Seerat Fatima, Shahida Sheikh, Saima Faisal Sadia Jabeen, Sania Fatima, APWA general secretary, Nazia Yasir, Tehmina Munir and others were present on the occasion.
Addressing the symposium, Head of the Oncology Department at Nishtar Medical University (NMU), Dr Ahmed Ejaz Masood stated that the lack of awareness and cultural stigmas surrounding women’s health issues contribute to the problem.
He maintained that one of the greatest challenges in Pakistan is the late diagnosis of breast cancer. Due to fear, stigma, and lack of awareness, many women avoid seeking medical help until their condition is advanced, adding that late diagnosis results in lower survival rates. Dr Ejaz, who is also president Cancer Society, told the participants that self-examination should begin at the age of 20 years.
