Our Correspondent
PESHAWAR: Breast Cancer is slowly becoming an endemic in Pakistan with one out of eight women being at a lifetime risk of developing the disease at some point. Factors like taboos, stigmas, stereotypes, myths and misconceptions surround women’s health and their bodies posing hurdles in early presentation of the cases in tertiary care hospitals.
In order to spread awareness regarding the disease, shed light on its causes and prevention, an awareness seminar was held at the Khyber Medical University (KMU), Peshawar in collaboration with Public Health Association PHA),KP. Mr. Mehmood Jan Deputy Speaker Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly was the chief gest whereas Ms. Rabia Basri chairperson standing committee on health and Ms. Sajida Hanif MPA and member steering committee breast cancer were the guest of honors. Beside others vice chancellor KMU Prof. Dr. Zia ul Haq, Registrar Prof. Dr. Muhammad Saleem Gandapur, president PHA KP Dr. Saima Abid, faculty and heads of different institutions were also present at the occasion.
Mr. Mehmood Jan has said that early detection of the breast cancer will save the lives of many women in future and KP Assembly supports the cause wholeheartedly. He gave directives to the relevant policy makers to follow up the PC1 of the first ever “Breast cancer early detection” program in KP with federal government to ensure smooth approval during 2022. He said that treatment of breast cancer is free at IRNUM hospital on sehat sahulat program which was a significant achievement of the present government.
Ms. Rabia Basri emphasized on the importance of self-examination and other preventive measures of breast cancer. Ms. Sajida Hanif ensured the support of policy makers for the establishment of early detection centers and breast cancer control program in KP. Prof. Dr. Dr. Zia Ul Haq said that Mrs. President has raised this issue to the top level and KMU is a strong supporter of this noble cause.
The renowned oncologist Dr. Safoora Shahid, delivered an insightful lecture on the various causes of the diseases, its management and the importance of readily available treatment facilities. Dr. Mahvish furthered the discussion by talking about the specific genetic cancer markers.
Dr. Saima Abid discussed the details of the PHA activities and concluded the session with presenting her report about the various projects executed so far to expedite the efforts in improving breast cancer research as well as, shared details about the inception of breast cancer committee in process. Later the guests planted the olive trees through support of the forest department.
