Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre hosted a Breast Cancer Awareness Day to educate the public on early detection and treatment. Specialists emphasized the importance of timely diagnosis to improve survival rates.
Dr. Tabinda Sadaf, Consultant Clinical & Radiation Oncologist, stressed “knowing your normal” for early detection, noting that breast cancer has a 95% cure rate when caught early. Dr. Tahira Yasmeen highlighted that breast cancer is not one disease, and treatments vary, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted, and hormonal therapies. She reassured attendees that advancements in medicine have improved side-effect management.
Dr. Ahsan Mumtaz Rao, Consultant in Breast and Oncoplastic Surgery, advocated for breast-conserving lumpectomies over mastectomies to enhance quality of life. He emphasized the role of biopsies in accurate diagnosis and smaller surgical interventions due to early detection.
Research findings were also shared during the Breast Cancer Awareness event. Dr. Usman Rashid revealed a 15-month delay in patients seeking care after noticing symptoms. His team identified unique gene mutations in Pakistan’s population, opening possibilities for customized screening. He also highlighted the emerging role of AI in diagnosis and encouraged women to consult credible doctors.
A breast cancer survivor, Gulnaz, shared her journey, highlighting challenges of stigma and the vital role of family support. She credited Shaukat Khanum’s state-of-the-art, equitable treatment for her recovery. Dr. Amina Khan and Dr. Asma Rashid addressed audience questions, debunking myths such as undergarments causing cancer and explaining the difference between screening and diagnostic mammography.
Dr. Aasim Yusuf, Chief Medical Officer, concluded the event by reflecting on Shaukat Khanum’s 30 years in Lahore, 10 years in Peshawar, and the upcoming Karachi hospital opening next year. He urged attendees to perform self-exams regularly and promote Breast Cancer Awareness across communities.
The event engaged 400 students from 20 universities, who committed to the “I pledge to check” initiative. A lucky draw supported by Elmore Cosmetics, Outfitters, FPL, Sapphire, Kayseria, and Ain to Trust Foundation also took place. Shaukat Khanum continues its mission of comprehensive cancer care, research, and Breast Cancer Awareness to save lives through early detection.
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