Women urged to carry out self-exams for breast cancer

Dr Maheen Junaidi says awareness about health matters helped people make decisions

Women should perform self-examinations to check themselves for breast cancer and consult a doctor if they find any symptoms, urged Liaquat National Hospital's cancer department head Dr Naila Zahid.

With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month around the globe, LNH organised a walk to raise awareness about the disease on Saturday.

Participating in the event, Dr Zahid said that women usually only reached out to medical experts once cancer had spread to a great extent.

"Over 80 per cent of cancer patients recover from the disease each year," she stressed. "It is not an incurable disease anymore and can be treated if diagnosed on time."

According to Dr Zahid, there was a dire need to create awareness about the disease. She called for the media and the government to play their roles in this regard.

Separately, Dawaai.pk organised a breast cancer awareness session, with cancer specialists providing information about the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

"The diagnosis of breast cancer at the right time is an important factor in its effective treatment," said Dr Kausar Rehman, adding that monthly self-examinations, clinical tests after the age of 20, ultrasounds, MRIs and biopsies were useful for its timely detection.

Meanwhile, Dr Maheen Junaidi said that awareness about health matters helped people make decisions about their treatment and way of life, including diet, sleep and consultation with medical experts.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 11^th, 2020.