Experts partaking in ‘Pink Walk’ stress early detection of breast cancer

The walk is organised annually by AKU in commemoration of the World Breast Cancer Awareness Month

KARACHI: The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKU) organised a walk, titled 'Pink Walk', on Friday to raise awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer. The walk is organised every year in October by AKU, in commemoration of the World Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to educate people about the benefits of regular screening for breast cancer.

The walk commenced with Shah Sultan Pirani, a cancer survivor aged above 80, cutting the ribbon at the starting line. People from different segments of society, dressed in pink and holding placards, partook in the walk.

Speaking on the occasion, Service Line Chief of Gastrointestinal Medicine and Surgery [at AKU] Dr Hasnain Zafar, said that early detection [of breast cancer] does not only cut down the cost of treatment but also increases the chances of patients' survival.

Early detection of breast cancer can save lives

"All of us have a duty to raise awareness about the early diagnosis of breast cancer," he said.

Stressing the importance of breast screening on a regular basis, AKU's Breast Surgery Section Head Dr Abida Sattar said, "It is important to understand that this disease is treatable if caught early." She pointed out that at an early stage, cancer's lumps cannot be felt via self-examination but can be detected if a mammogram is done, which increases the chances of survival to 99%.

Breast Screening Director at AKU Dr Sana Zeeshan, who also spoke on the occasion, said, "Last year, AKU initiated the first mobile mammography screening programme that piloted in Karachi and then in Hyderabad. Our aim is to make this programme accessible to women all over Pakistan."

Addressing the participants of the walk, a senior lecturer at AKU and a breast cancer survivor, Dr Saida Rasul shared her experience of battling the disease.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 26^th, 2019.