LAHORE, Oct 13: The medical experts and surgeons have said that early detection of breast cancer guarantees survival of women.

They alerted the women that the breast tumour with no pain was equally dangerous for their health and strongly recommended immediate visit to the respective doctor.

They were speaking at an awareness seminar organised at the King Edward Medical University on Saturday to mark the Breast Cancer Month.

KEMU surgery department chairman Prof Arshad Cheema talked about a dangerous trend among a majority of the women who visited the health facilities at the third and fourth stage of the disease (breast tumour).

Addressing the seminar, he said there were four stages of the breast tumour or breast cancer. At the first and second stages the chances of survival of the patient were 95 per cent and 85 per cent, respectively, he said adding that at third and fourth stage the chances of survival dropped to 57 and 20 per cent, respectively.

During first two stages, Dr Cheema said conservative breast surgery could be performed to cure the disease.

He advised the women for conducting self-examination of their chest every month and clinical breast examination every year to avoid complications of the disease.

He said women above 40 years should visit the health facilities for mammogram investigation every year as a preventive measure.

He urged the Punjab government to provide at least mammogram facility at every teaching hospital in the larger interest of patients.

Prof Dr Zafar Ali Chaudhry and Dr Fara also spoke of the importance of preventive measures.

Earlier, dozens of senior doctors and medical students belonging to all specialties of the KEMU held a walk from the university to The Mall. They were carrying placards carrying messages about the preventive measures and treatment requirement for women. The walk later ended at the starting point at the KEMU.