ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday called for collective societal efforts to prioritise women’s health, urging families to stand firmly beside those battling breast cancer.
In a message marking Breast Cancer Awareness Day, the president emphasised the need to create a supportive environment in which women are encouraged to seek timely medical care and receive comprehensive treatment without hesitation.
“Breast cancer affects thousands of families in Pakistan. Its consequences extend beyond the individual, affecting mothers, daughters, sisters and spouses and placing emotional and social pressures on families. This makes greater awareness, timely medical attention and support for those affected essential,” he said.
The president said efforts must continue to promote a better understanding of factors influencing cancer risk and encourage healthy lifestyles. Schools, workplaces, community organisations, the media, civil society and healthcare professionals could all help ensure that accurate information reached women and families across the country.
Meanwhile, First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, in her message, urged women across Pakistan to recognise the importance of their health and never hesitate to seek medical advice when they had concerns.
“Breast cancer affects women and families in many different circumstances. For a woman facing the disease, the experience can bring fear and uncertainty. For her family, it can also be a difficult time. This is why awareness and support are so important,” she said.
Early attention to changes in their health could help women seek appropriate medical advice in time, she said. She encouraged women to remain attentive to their health and consult qualified healthcare professionals whenever they had concerns.
“Families have an important role to play as well. Women should feel comfortable discussing their health concerns with those close to them and should receive encouragement when they seek medical care. A supportive family can make it easier for a woman to face the challenges that come with a serious illness,” she said.
Published in Dawn, October 19th, 2026
