October is observed as Breast Cancer Awareness month
KARACHI: The month of October is observed as Breast Cancer Awareness month. In Asia, Pakistan has the highest rate of the disease which mostly affects women. Sadly, it has become more of a social taboo.
It is creating severe social and economic problems for families in Pakistan. In most of the rural areas of Pakistan, this issue is still silenced. Illiteracy and lack of proper hygiene are the major causes of breast cancer. Having very little to no access to proper medical facilities due to gender discrimination is also one of the causes of the disease becoming dangerous.
As a result, emphasis on self-examination should be given to reduce the burden of the disease. All types of cancer if diagnosed at an early stage can be fully curable.
The government, media, youth and organisations responsible for this campaign can use this month as an opportunity to raise awareness, generate funds and provide information on prevention and treatment of breast cancer.
Mahanoor Abbasi
Published in The Express Tribune, October 19th, 2018.
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