KARACHI: Friends of Pink Ribbon Karachi chapter presented a theatre evening featuring the Urdu play Ladies Tailor on Sunday, says a press release. Written and directed by Sameena Nazir, the event was held at a local hotel in aid of the Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Hospital.

A documentary that focused on Pink Ribbon’s efforts since 2004 to spread awareness about breast cancer was well-received at the event. It also highlighted the progress of Pakistan’s first dedicated breast cancer hospital.

Pink Ribbon is also working closely with the government to illuminate public buildings pink in October to raise awareness about the deadly disease.

Mr Omer Aftab, CEO Pink Ribbon, updated the audience about the organisation’s activities and hospital.

There was also a silent auction of donated paintings, clothes and jewellery.

The Pink Ribbon Campaign was established in Pakistan in 2004.

Pakistan has the highest rate of breast cancer among all Asian countries. One out of nine women in Pakistan is likely to suffer from breast cancer. In Pakistan ever year, approximately 90,000 cases are diagnosed and over 40,000 women die of breast cancer. Low level of female literacy, lack of awareness, cultural beliefs, taboos, myths and misconceptions hinder early diagnosis and treatment.

With early detection, the chance of curing breast cancer is over 90 per cent.

Published in Dawn, October 29th, 2019