Breast Cancer Kills 40,000 Women Every Year In Pakistan: Experts

Umer Jamshaid Published October 16, 2018 | 02:39 AM

FAISALABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Oct, 2018 ) ::Every ninth woman in the country is at risk of breast cancer and it kills 40,000 women every year in Pakistan.

It was echoed by the experts at an awareness walk and seminar on "Breast Cancer" arranged by Institute of Home Science, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) in collaboration with Punjab Higher education Commission, Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital and Ribbon Youth Awareness Program.

Later, a rally was also taken out from New Senate Hall to Iqbal Auditorium UAF. UAF Vice Chancellor Dr Zafar Iqbal Randhawa led the walk while Dean Faculty of food Sciences Dr Masood Sadiq Butt, Institute Director Dr Ayesha Riaz, Dr Nimrah from Shoukat Khanum Hospital, Senior Tutor Dr Athar Javed and other notables also attended it.

Dr Zafar Iqbal said the most of cases here are not diagnosed in time due to unawareness.

He viewed that 40,000 women die every year in the country due to breast cancer. Unluckily, in Asia, Pakistan has the highest rate of breast cancer.

He said, "In our society, women avoid going to a hospital for screenings and checkup or discuss the disease even within their family." He said better education/awareness of the disease and a healthy diet comprising fresh vegetables and fruits can help reduce risk of breast cancer.

Dean Faculty of Food Sciences Prof Dr Masood Sadiq Butt said that if cancer is detected at early stages, chances of survival increases manifold.

He said that the breast cancer is becoming the leading cause of cancer deaths. He said that young women are more frequently reporting with the cancer in the country. He said that balanced diet help reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Dr Ayesha Riaz urged the participants to self-examine and arrange a checkup every year to avoid the risk.

Dr Nimrah called for giving special attention to the issue to control its spread in the country. She stressed the need to make the proper check-up for prevention and the early treatment of the disease.