KARACHI, Jan 20: More women are being diagnosed with breast cancer in Pakistan, and that too at a younger age. There is a need to detect the disease at an early stage. This will reduce cost of treatment and chances of mortality and morbidity.

These views were expressed in two scientific lectures on breast cancer organised for general practitioners at PMA House yesterday. Dr Rufina Soomro, head of the surgery department, Liaquat National Hospital (LNH) and Dr Naila Anjum Zahid, head of the oncology department, LNH, were the speakers.

Dr Rufina Soomro said breast cancer was the most common form of cancer among women all over the world.

In many countries, the incidence ratio was one in 12 while in some it was one in eight. “Usually breast cancer is found among older women, but in Pakistan, there are women in their 20s with this disease, which is alarming.

Though no research has been done, the reasons for this trend can be environmental,” she said.

Almost 90 per cent of the patients reported for breast cancer had breast lumps, it could appear with other symptoms like change in the colour or feel of the breast or nipple skin, lump or mass in the armpit and nipple discharge, she said.

She stressed the need for educating women to have monthly breast self-examination and urged doctors to conduct clinical breast examination. “It’s the easiest and cheapest method for prevention,” she added.

Dr Naila Anjum spoke about oncological management, treatment and surveillance of breast cancer.

The risk factors, she said, included family history with cancer, early menarche, late menopause, obesity, alcohol, over-exposure to radiation and oral contraceptives.

She also briefed the audience about the different therapies available for treatment and the side-effects of various drugs.