One in nine women susceptible to breast cancer

ISLAMABAD:

Almost one in every nine women in Pakistan is susceptible to developing breast cancer at some point in her life while over a million women worldwide are diagnosed with the disease every year.

According to Dr Ghazna Saddiqui of international Gynaecological Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer type in Pakistan.

In an attempt to raise awareness against breast cancer, activists and health experts arranged a talk on the disease followed by Zumbathon charity event on Thursday.

The event was jointly organised by Susan G Komen, a non-profit organisation dedicated to ending breast cancer and Friends of the White Ribbon Alliance South Asia.

The event was held as a part of ‘Party in Pink’, a global initiative to encourage women to go for regular checkups and timely intervention.

Several studies suggest that Asian women are most likely to develop breast cancer, especially in Muslim countries where inter-marriages increases the risk of the disease up to 25 per cent.

Saddiqui said several factors play a role in increasing the probability of developing breast cancer, such as ageing, hormonal imbalance, unhealthy diet, obesity and family history.

“Screening is the way forward; listen to your symptoms, get internal pelvic screenings annually along with the CA-125 blood test for ovarian health,” she said.

She said that self-examinations, breast ultrasounds and mammograms especially after the age of 40 are essential for breast health.

A breast cancer survivor, Amna Salman, sharing her experience with the audience, said one should never be reluctant in getting a thorough and regular checkup.

According to Salman, it’s a misconception that young women cannot develop breast cancer.

Stressing on the importance of research and early screenings, molecular biologist Dr Natasha Anwar said policymakers do not often realise that prevention will always be the most cost-effective solution when resources are limited.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 3^rd, 2015.