Pakistan has the highest breast cancer rate in Asia, with cases frequently occurring in premenopausal women, according to Dow Medical College (DMC) Principal Professor Dr. Saba Sohail.
Speaking at a mini symposium on breast cancer awareness at Arag Auditorium, Dow Medical College, Dr. Sohail emphasized that many cases are diagnosed at advanced stages (Stage III and IV) due to delayed screenings.
She urged women over 40 to undergo mammographic screenings every two years, explaining that early detection significantly reduces breast cancer-related mortality.
Dr. Sohail noted that mammography, though often uncomfortable, is critical in catching early-stage cancer. Highlighting common misconceptions, she clarified that while a 3D mammogram may appear similar to a traditional one, it increases early cancer detection by 40% and reduces unnecessary follow-up screenings by the same percentage.
Misconceptions around mammography persist, with 63.4% of Pakistanis believing it causes cancer, and 38.7% attributing breast cancer to superstitious causes like the “evil eye.”
The symposium, organized with the collaboration of Dow University of Health Sciences, Civil Hospital’s Breast Surgery Unit, Surgical Unit 3, and the Department of Medical Oncology, featured prominent speakers including Dr. Nargis Muzaffar from SIUT, Dr. Maryam Nauman from Dow University, Dr. Abida Khalil Sattar from Aga Khan University, and Prof. Dr. Farhat Jaleel, Head of Civil Hospital’s Breast Surgery Unit.
Dr. Jaleel discussed Civil Hospital’s facilities for breast cancer treatment, which include free biopsy, ultrasound, tumor board services, oncoplastic surgery, and collaborative care with other specialties.
Civil Hospital’s data from 2020 to 2024 showed that 5,051 cancer cases were registered, with 34% involving breast cancer. Of these cases, 491 were diagnosed at Stage IV, underscoring the need for early intervention.
The symposium also included a bake sale organized by the Pink Ribbon Foundation and Dow University students, with proceeds dedicated to breast cancer awareness and patient care.
A breast cancer poster competition, bake sale, and awareness campaign served to engage and educate attendees, while winners received recognition from DMC’s Principal Dr. Sohail and Civil Hospital’s Medical Superintendent.
