MANSEHRA: Doctors, nurses, paramedics and medical students held a Pink Ribbon awareness walk here on Wednesday to raise awareness among women about the importance of breast cancer screening, early detection and preventive measures.

“Breast cancer is curable and is not a disease found only among women, as commonly believed. It also affects one per cent of men in our society too,” Dr Ali Khan Jadoon, Regional Director General Health, Hazara Division, told a seminar held at the conclusion of the walk.

The walk started outside the main gate of King Abdullah Teaching Hospital and culminated at the same point.

Holding banners and placards inscribed with slogans to raise awareness about breast cancer, the participants walked through different roads.

The seminar held after the awareness walk was also addressed by an oncologist at the Institute of Nuclear Medicine Oncology and Radiotherapy (INOR), Abbottabad, Dr Hajra Jabeen, Cancer consultant Dr Faryal Saeed, Assistant Commissioner Sana Fatima, MPA Amina Sardar, District Health Officer Dr Faisal Khanzada and others. They stressed the importance of self-examination for the early detection and timely treatment of breast cancer.

“I would say that sensitising men about breast cancer is equally important because cases are also being reported among them, although in a small percentage,” Dr Hajra said.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Faryal said breast cancer awareness walks and symposiums were important and that, besides the health department and doctors, other segments of the society should also come forward to raise awareness.

“We have to eliminate the fear associated with cancer among patients as this disease is curable and women should adopt precautionary measures if they notice any symptoms or changes in their bodies,” she said.

Published in Dawn, October 22nd, 2026