“With an increase in early-stage breast cancer diagnoses being reported in healthcare facilities across Pakistan, it is clear that our persistent and ongoing efforts to raise awareness about breast cancer are having an impact. Women in remote areas of the country are now aware of the need for breast cancer awareness.”
This was said by the first lady, Begum Samina Alvi, at a significant panel discussion on breast cancer awareness that Serena Hotels organized as part of the Raabta initiative for public diplomacy.
Raabta brings together thought leaders, decision-makers, specialists, and members of civil society to advance debate and curate knowledge about crucial socio-economic issues by using the convening power of Serena Hotels.
Experts on the panel included Dr. Ayesha Isani Majeed, Head of the Radiology Department and Incharge Federal Breast Cancer Screening Center at the Pakistan Institute for PIMS; Dr. Abida K. Sattar, Head of Breast Surgery at the Aga Khan University Hospital; Shireen Gheba, author, blogger, painter, and cancer survivor who was diagnosed with the disease in 2021 and is now cancer-free; and Aizaz Chaudary, the Director of the Institute of Strategic Studies and a former the Director of Institute of Strategic Studies and former Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, who is also a male survivor of breast cancer.
Breast cancer is the most prevalent disease in women and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women globally, according to them, with 2.3 million diagnoses in 2020.
With 1 in 6 women projected to receive a breast cancer diagnosis at some point in their lives, Pakistan has Asia’s highest frequency of the disease.
The first lady praised Serena Hotels’ efforts to organize public awareness events each year by using the Raabta Platform, noting that it has a significant audience reach and that the panel discussions with experts and cancer survivors are undoubtedly an inspiration to everybody.
Breast self-examinations and annual mammograms for women over 40 should be a regular part of women’s self-care routines, according to Dr. Ayesha Isani.
She stated that the Federal Breast Cancer Screening Centre at PIMS was the first public sector facility in Islamabad to provide patients with initial screening and detection, biopsy, ultrasound, and mammography under one roof and that it was constructed to meet the rising demand of patients, particularly those who could not afford the prices of private hospitals.
