Sindh health minister stresses importance of breast cancer awareness, early detection

In a heartfelt video message, Caretaker Sindh Health Minister Dr Saad Khalid Niaz has underlined the preventability of breast cancer and the critical role that early detection plays in saving women's lives.

Dr Niaz emphasised that breast cancer is a prevalent and common disease in Pakistan, and raising awareness about its early detection is essential to combat its impact on women's health.

The minister urged all women to understand that regular self-examination of their breasts is a vital step in the early diagnosis of breast cancer. He stressed that if any unusual lumps or changes are noticed around the chest area, women should promptly seek medical attention to undergo essential tests.

In his message, Dr Niaz expressed his appreciation for the efforts of media outlets in spreading awareness about breast cancer. He particularly acknowledged The Express Tribune for its dedication to highlighting this critical issue. He urged all media houses to join the cause and make breast cancer awareness a public service message to reach a wider audience.

One remarkable individual who recently shared her inspiring journey as a breast cancer survivor is Nashmia Amir Butt. Her story is a testament to resilience, the significance of early detection, and the crucial role of a robust support system during the challenging journey of battling breast cancer.

Also read: ‘With willpower, you can beat breast cancer’

Nashmia's life took an unexpected turn when, at the age of 31, she was diagnosed with breast cancer just one week before her scheduled marriage ceremony. In a podcast moderated by Aisha Abrar for The Express Tribune, Nashmia emphasised the importance of a strong support system during the treatment and recovery process.

Medical experts stress that over 80% of breast cancer cases reported annually have no family history of the disease, and approximately 70% of women in Pakistan receive a late-stage breast cancer diagnosis.

Dr Rafina Soomro, a Training Resident Medical Officer at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), highlighted the critical need for awareness on Tuesday. She explained that many women unknowingly waste precious time on unverified therapies because they are unaware of the symptoms, significantly diminishing their chances of recovery.

Also read: ‘Pakistan has high rate of breast cancer’

Dr Soomro pointed out that breast cancer develops when breast cells uncontrollably proliferate, often forming a tumor that can be detected through X-rays or by feeling a lump. She emphasised that women between the ages of 40 and 70 are at higher risk, particularly those who started menstruation before the age of 12, continued periods after the age of 50, have a family history of breast cancer, had their first child after the age of 30, and did not breastfeed their babies.

Overweight women who use family planning drugs are also at a higher risk of developing breast cancer, she observed.

Consultant and Breast Surgeon at South City Hospital, Professor Shaista Khan, shed light on a concerning statistic, stating that Pakistan has the highest rate of breast cancer among Asian nations. She emphasised that one in nine women in Pakistan is at risk of developing breast cancer.