Jamshoro, Doctors and health experts have highlighted the urgency of raising awareness and prioritizing early diagnosis for the effective prevention and management of breast cancer in both males and females. This comes against the backdrop of Pakistan diagnosing approximately 90,000 new breast cancer cases each year, though early-stage identification boasts a survival rate exceeding 98%. The revelations were made during a seminar at the Institute of Gender Studies (IGS), University of Sindh Jamshoro, held to mark the global recognition of October as breast cancer awareness month.

Director of IGS, Professor Dr. Misbah Bibi Qureshi, emphasized the role of increased public consciousness and early detection in reducing breast cancer incidences. She highlighted the institute’s commitment to foster awareness through numerous outreach efforts, including seminars and social media campaigns throughout October.

Dr. Qureshi stressed the need for societal backing for women grappling with breast cancer, pushing for free medication and comprehensive awareness initiatives. Addressing the audience, she pointed out that multiple socio-economic and cultural factors often deter Pakistani women from seeking timely medical interventions.

Dr. Binafsha Manzoor Syed from the Liaquat Medical University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS) Jamshoro underscored the significantly higher prevalence of breast cancer in women compared to men. She noted that a staggering 89% of the diagnosed cases are identified at later stages, with fear of societal stigma and sensitivity often acting as deterrents.

Assistant Professor at LUMHS, Dr. Sadat Memon, stated that one in eight women in Pakistan is at risk of developing breast cancer during their lifetime. Dr. Memon pressed on the importance of regular self-examinations and check-ups, underlining the need to dispel misconceptions surrounding chemotherapy.

Dr. Shamshad Memon, also from LUMHS, accentuated the importance of screening mammograms in the early detection of breast cancer, recommending regular screenings, especially for women over 40 or those with a family history of the illness.

The seminar, sourced from a press release by the University of Sindh, witnessed participation from a diverse range of attendees, including students, scholars, and educators, all uniting under the cause of battling and preventing breast cancer through heightened awareness and early detection.