Mazar-e-Quaid glows in pink to raise awareness about breast cancer

Organised by Pink Ribbon Pakistan, which kicked off in 1992

KARACHI: The Mazar-e-Quaid was illuminated with pink lights on October 17, in recognition of Pink Ribbon Pakistan's efforts to raise awareness about breast cancer. The organisation held a 'Pink Illumination Ceremony' to mark the occasion, at which Samina Alvi, wife of President Arif Alvi, was invited as the chief guest.

Addressing the ceremony, Alvi said that by raising awareness about breast cancer, Pink Ribbon facilitates early diagnosis of the disease and there are more than 90% chances of cancer patients' survival if they are diagnosed at an early stage.

Minar-e-Pakistan turns pink for breast cancer awareness

She urged women above 40 to undergo mammography screening at least once a year in order to prevent the risk of breast cancer.

One of the major concerns regarding breast cancer is the lack of information, which ultimately leads to failure in early diagnosis.

Alvi acknowledged the efforts of Pink Ribbon Pakistan for spearheading the breast cancer awareness campaign in Pakistan and stressed the need to raise awareness about the disease in rural areas.

Breast cancer: 25% of cases occur in women below 40

Moreover, she also said that private hospitals should join the organisation's initiative.

The Pink Ribbon campaign, which kicked off in 1992, aims to raise awareness about breast cancer. The annual campaign is run all over the world in the month of October.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 18^th, 2019.