ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI: Breast cancer remains the most prevalent cancer among women globally; early detection combined with medical and surgical advancements has dramatically improved outcomes, offering higher cure rates and less invasive treatment options, experts said at a seminar held at Polyclinic.
Associate Surgeon (Oncology) Dr Muhammad Kashif Khan said early detection was the key to saving lives and reducing the burden of treatment. “When breast cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, some patients may be eligible for breast-conserving surgery, avoiding the need for complete breast removal (mastectomy). Depending on the type and stage of cancer, some patients may also be able to avoid chemotherapy,” he said.
Dr Kashif said awareness of the early warning signs was essential. “Women should seek medical advice if they notice a new lump in the breast or armpit, changes in breast shape or size, skin dimpling, unusual nipple discharge, or changes in the appearance of the nipple or surrounding skin. Although these symptoms do not always indicate cancer, they should never be ignored,” he added.
Head of the Radiology Department Dr Saima Shan suggested routine check-ups and regular follow-up of women aged over 40 as they had a high risk. “It is our moral and ethical duty to support every woman who needs to be checked specially for breast pain, swelling, etc. Patients should be encouraged to get the medical check-up and never feel shy in the sense of place/organ of body like the breast having such a complaint or problem,” she said.
Dr Abdul Jabbar Bhutto emphasised the need to remove taboos surrounding the disease, which was considered a curse by some community members who lacked awareness of available treatment and prevention options.
Calls for screening partnerships
Speaking as chief guest at a breast cancer awareness symposium organised by the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), Senator Sherry Rehman said Pakistan had one of the highest breast cancer incidence rates in Asia, making awareness, timely diagnosis and accessible treatment a national public health priority.
Referring to the National Cancer Registry of Pakistan report for 2015-2019, she noted that breast cancer accounted for approximately 38pc of all female cancers recorded in the registry.
However, she cautioned that the figures did not necessarily capture the full scale of the problem, as many women remained undiagnosed or were unable to access healthcare and diagnostic facilities.
Addressing the business community, Senator Rehman urged RCCI members to make breast cancer screening part of their corporate social responsibility initiatives, with particular emphasis on providing free or subsidised screening for women employees and the female family members of male employees.
She called on RCCI to identify specialised healthcare institutions and diagnostic laboratories willing to partner with the business community to offer free or discounted screening. She proposed that the initiative begin with a pilot programme in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, which could subsequently be scaled up nationally.
Senator Rehman stressed that social stigma, cultural taboos, limited awareness and the financial burden of screening and treatment often prevented women from seeking timely medical attention.
She offered to work with the business community and other stakeholders to improve access to diagnostics, strengthen awareness and build partnerships with healthcare providers.
Published in Dawn, October 30th, 2026
