KARACHI: The Karachi chapter of the Friends of Pink Ribbon on Sunday organised a qawwali night featuring Akram Hamza Qawwal at a local hotel as part of its efforts to raise funds for the Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Hospital in Lahore.

The event attracted top corporate sponsors, donors, supporters and advertisers. Numerous women entrepreneurs especially clothes designers, jewellers, restaurants and salons, spas, gyms, dance and yoga studios and other service providers also came forward to join hands with

Pink Ribbon and donated generously towards the cause. Pink Ribbon symbolises support for Breast Cancer Awareness worldwide. It is an emblem of hope for breast cancer patients and a symbol of celebration for survivors. Pink Ribbon Pakistan was established in 2004, by social activist Omer Aftab.

According to a press release, Pakistan has the highest rate of breast cancer among all Asian countries. One out of nine women in Pakistan are likely to suffer from breast cancer. In Pakistan ever year, approximately 90,000 cases are diagnosed and over 40,000 women die of breast cancer.

Low level of female literacy, cultural beliefs, taboos and myths and misconceptions hinder early diagnosis and treatment. With early detection, the chance of curing breast cancer is over 90 per cent.

The Pink Ribbon Campaign focuses on spreading awareness about monthly breast self examination for early detection. It is in the process of establishing the country’s first dedicated breast cancer hospital. Construction of the hospital is 80pc complete.

The hospital when functional will serve 40,000 deserving patients annually and offer all services from diagnostic to treatment free of cost, all under one roof.

Published in Dawn, October 23th, 2023