Joint efforts for breast cancer control stressed

Islamabad : Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for collective efforts to fight breast cancer in Pakistan.

“I am confident that with our collective efforts, we can significantly reduce breast cancer mortality in Pakistan and provide hope for a healthier future for all women,” the prime minister said in a message on the International Day against Breast Cancer. He said Pakistan joined the global community in raising awareness about breast cancer and emphasising the need for timely diagnosis and treatment, particularly for women.

Mr Shehbaz said breast cancer was the most common form of cancer affecting women worldwide, and tragically, the majority of deaths occurred in low and middle-income countries.

"Our country faces significant challenges in the availability of screening and treatment facilities for breast cancer. However, we can effectively combat this by focusing on early detection and treatment, as there is a 98 per cent chance of permanent recovery when breast cancer is diagnosed in its early stages," he said.

The prime minister said with dedicated efforts to raise awareness, encouraging women to perform regular self-examinations, the country had witnessed an increase in the reporting of early-stage breast cancer cases, which was a promising development. He said he was pleased to see the media play a vital role in that regard.

Mr Shehbaz called upon all stakeholders especially media to galvanise efforts towards a holistic and well-coordinated awareness campaign at the national level to raise awareness about the disease.

He said he was confident that with collective efforts, Pakistan could significantly reduce breast cancer mortality in Pakistan and provide hope for a healthier future for all women.