KARACHI, June 10: Medical experts, on Thursday, warning against rise in breast cancer among young women, said that it could be completely cured if diagnosed and treated at an early stage. They also underlined the need to create awareness among women about the disease.

They expressed these views in a continuing medical education programme on "Breast Cancer - from diagnosis to treatment," organized at the Liaquat National Hospital. Consultant Oncologist Dr Naila Zahid said that breast cancer was one of the commonest malignancies in women, but such patients were misled by Hakims and homeopaths and usually contacted a doctor very late, that further aggravated the situation.

She advised the women of over 40 years of age to have their mammogram (screening test for breast cancer) annually, especially those women who had a family history in this regard, as the disease was, in some cases, caused by genetic factors.

Dr Naila stressed the importance of post-operative treatment with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which decreased chances of recurrence of the disease, as it could recur in lungs, liver, brain and bones, and could become incurable.

Dr Arifa Aziz said that breast cancer was a deadly disease if detected late. She urged the government to promote breast clinics in the country, so that women could visit these clinics for their annual check ups.

She advised women to do self-examination monthly and if they detected any lump in breast, they should immediately consult a specialist. Dr Najeeb Naimatullah focused on risk factors in breast cancer, such as family history and late menopause, besides, radiation and also discussed how breast cancer was presented.

Dr Rufina Soomro discussed modern surgery for breast conservation, which was possible with latest techniques, including sentinel lymph node biopsy, adding that major surgery had become much simpler, without risking patients' lives.

Naheed Zafar Qureshi highlighted the psycho-social aspects of breast cancer and said that loosing a breast was not easily acceptable and was a torture for patients as well as their families, besides the financial strain caused due to treatment expenses.

LNH Medical Director Dr Salman Faridi informed the participants about the facilities and latest techniques for investigation and treatment of breast cancer available at the LNH. -PPI