RAWALPINDI: As many as 11 universities in Rawalpindi and Islamabad joined hands to launch awareness, training sessions for the prevention of breast cancer.

Vice chancellors, pro-vice chancellor and focal persons of all major universities gathered at the Rawalpindi Medical University (RMU) to evolve a joint strategy and model of awareness and screening of breast cancer in twin cities and northern Punjab.

The participating universities were: Rawalpindi Medical University (RMU), Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto University, Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU), Isra University Islamabad, Riphah University Islamabad, Government College Women University Rawalpindi, National University of Medical Sciences Islamabad, Shifa Tamir-i-Milat University Islamabad, Comsats University Islamabad, Nori Hospital and Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi.

The data shared by the universities will be used as central registry of 11 universities. This pool data will also be used for research purpose.

Prof Mohammad Ali, QAU vice chancellor, will be the chairperson while Dr Saima Hamid, vice chancellor FJWU, and Prof Tanvir Khaliq, vice chancellor Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto University will be the co-chairs.

RMU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Umar told Dawn that the main objectives of the meeting were uniform, standardised training module and structured awareness programmes for prevention of breast cancer.

He said the meeting decided to develop a database of women faculty, students, supports staff and families of workers of universities, affiliated colleges and institutions. Each university will implement the model of training for capacity building and structured awareness campaign,” he said.

“This will lead to capacity building of universities and allied institutions to spread the programme further in the community,” he said.

“In the second phase, the Rawalpindi Medical University and Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto University will launch the programme to the community. RMU has already planned Rawalpindi Breast Cancer Free City Initiative,” he said.

He said screening would be launched as soon as the Covid-19 pandemic is over. “Rawalpindi has a population of 2.5 million out of which 0.3 million women need screening between the age of 40-65,” he said.

“A dedicated breast cancer awareness corner will be established in each university and dedicated focal person will be nominated.”

Published in Dawn, November 1st, 2020