New radiotherapy unit at JPMC

To deliver faster, safer breast cancer treatment free of cost

KARACHI:

A state-of-the-art Breast Radiation Bay has been established at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), which is expected to provide free, advanced care to thousands of patients.

The Bilquis and Abdul Sattar Edhi Breast Radiation Bay, developed through collaboration between the Sindh government, Patient Aid Foundation and Edhi Foundation, is nearing completion. The facility is equipped with cutting-edge tomotherapy technology worth over Rs1 billion.

According to Prof Tariq Mahmood, head of the CyberKnife Department, the new system will significantly reduce treatment time. "Radiation therapy that traditionally requires 20 to 22 sessions can now be completed in just five sessions," he said, adding that the technology also minimises radiation exposure to the heart. The advanced machinery allows precise targeting of cancer-affected areas while protecting healthy tissues, improving both safety and outcomes.

The facility will have the capacity to treat around 160 breast cancer patients daily, benefiting thousands annually. It will also offer diagnostic services including mammography, biopsy, modern CT imaging and 360-degree helical radiation technology.

Medical experts say breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women, including in Karachi, where registry data shows a consistently high incidence. Early detection and timely treatment are critical, as delays can allow the disease to spread.

Common warning signs include breast lumps, changes in size or shape, skin dimpling, abnormal nipple discharge or changes in nipple structure, though experts stress that proper diagnosis requires medical evaluation.

Health professionals stress that improving awareness, early screening and access to modern treatment is essential to tackling the growing burden of breast cancer in Pakistan.