Pink Ribbon: Centaurus turns pink for breast cancer awareness

More than 100,000 residents of Islamabad to be sensitised on breast cancer

ISLAMABAD: As part of a three day nationwide breast cancer awareness campaign, The Centaurus mall in Islamabad turned pink on Friday.

According to Pink Ribbon Campaign Pakistan, the objective of the event is to create breast cancer awareness and to gather the attention of general public regarding this serious issue. Additionally, the event will also help in raising funds for the first dedicated breast cancer hospital.

The pink ribbon aims to create awareness amongst at least 100,000 residents of Islamabad during the three day campaign which includes activities like pink illumination of The Centaurus mall, educating the visitors on breast cancer awareness and fund raising activities.

According to the The Centaurus mall Event Group Director, Sardar Yasir, The Centaurus management joined hands with Pink Ribbon under its CSR program to promote breast cancer awareness.” On the other hand, Pink Ribbon Chief Executive Omer Aftab  said the campaign aims to create widespread awareness so that the policymakers take up this issue as priority area.

According to Aftab, breast cancer is responsible for loss of at least 40,000 lives each year. However, there is a lack of medical facilities for this disease. He said that to cater to  the need of medical services for breast Cancer, Pink Ribbon is building Pakistan’s first dedicated breast cancer hospital so that few people will suffer the horror of losing a mother, a sister, a wife or a daughter.

While most people are aware of breast cancer, many forget to take the steps to have a plan to detect the disease in its early stages and encourage others to do the same.

Breast cancer is by far the most common cancer in females. While medical technology has made advancements in the early detection and treatment of this nerve-racking disease, there are still many women who will hear those gut-wrenching words today. “You have breast cancer.”

On the occasion, many of the dignitaries from Islamabad were present to show their support for the cause.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 15^th, 2016.