Dr Asma Munaf
BREAST cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in Pakistan, posing a serious public health challenge.
The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination (NHSRC) estimates that one in nine women in the country is at risk of developing breast cancer during her lifetime. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for stronger preventive strategies and sustained awareness efforts. Early recognition of symptoms, timely diagnosis and effective treatment can save countless lives and preserve women’s essential roles within their families and communities.
Early detection remains the most powerful tool to safeguard women’s health and, by extension, their contribution to society. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), survival rates for breast cancer can exceed 90% when detected early, compared to less than 40% for advanced cases. WHO’s Global Breast Cancer Initiative (2021) calls on nations, especially low- and middle-income countries like Pakistan, to prioritize awareness campaigns and ensure access to affordable diagnostic facilities. The earlier the diagnosis, the greater the chance for recovery and continued social and economic participation.
The economic and social costs of late detection are immense. Women in Pakistan play critical roles as caregivers, educators and income earners. When cancer is diagnosed at an advanced stage, treatment becomes expensive and often unaffordable for many families. This not only drains household savings but also deprives families of the vital support women provide in nurturing children and contributing to the economy. A World Bank report emphasizes that women’s health directly influences family welfare, educational outcomes and overall productivity, making early detection both a medical and developmental priority.
Recognizing these realities, the government has taken important steps. Every October, nationwide breast cancer awareness campaigns encourage women to perform self-examinations and seek timely medical consultation. Thousands of lady health workers are trained each year to spread awareness, particularly in rural and underprivileged areas where stigma and misinformation persist. These initiatives align with WHO’s call for community-level empowerment and are helping to normalize conversations about breast health, a crucial step in combating fear and social taboos.
However, significant challenges persist. Access to mammography and diagnostic services remains limited in district-level hospitals, especially outside major cities. Many women still struggle to obtain early screening due to financial constraints, lack of transport and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. To truly secure women’s health and societal role, Pakistan must strengthen its healthcare system by expanding diagnostic access and ensuring equitable services across all regions. This investment would protect women from preventable suffering and help sustain the nation’s human capital.
Breast cancer is more than a personal health issue—it is a societal challenge that affects families, workplaces and national development. A woman who receives timely diagnosis and treatment can continue to care for her family, contribute to her community and participate in the country’s economic growth. By investing in early detection infrastructure, awareness and equitable healthcare, Pakistan can protect its women, strengthen its families and build a healthier, more resilient society.
—The writer is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore.
