KARACHI: Timely screening, early diagnosis and prompt medical treatment can significantly improve outcomes for women with breast cancer, leading oncologists, mental health professionals and survivors stressed at a Pink October awareness seminar organised by the National Forum for Environment & Health (NFEH). The experts urged women not to delay medical examinations because of fear, embarrassment or misconceptions about diagnostic procedures. They emphasised that early detection, appropriate treatment, healthy lifestyle choices and emotional support all play important roles in breast cancer care. Mammography Can Help Detect Breast Cancer Earlier Dr Rufina Soomro, senior oncologist and Head of the Breast Surgery Department, explained that mammography is a specialised breast X-ray that can detect abnormalities before they become clinically apparent. She said early detection can improve the chances of effective treatment and may reduce the complexity or duration of treatment in some cases. Speaking as the keynote speaker at the seminar, organised as part of the World Health Organization’s global Pink October breast cancer awareness campaign, Dr Soomro recommended that women aged 40 and above discuss mammography with their healthcare providers. Screening at two-year intervals may be appropriate, depending on individual circumstances and medical advice. She also highlighted the importance of regular clinical breast examinations and breast self-awareness, encouraging women to seek medical advice when they notice unusual changes. According to Dr Soomro, breast cancer accounts for up to 35% of cancers among women in Pakistan, while approximately one in eight to nine women faces a lifetime risk. She added that women in Pakistan are diagnosed, on average, around a decade earlier than women in Western countries, reinforcing the need for awareness and timely medical attention. Medical Examinations and Biopsies Help Confirm Diagnosis Dr Soomro said qualified healthcare professionals could perform physical breast examinations, while trained midwives could help expand access to preliminary screening services. She stressed that a biopsy remains the definitive method for establishing a diagnosis when cancer is suspected and urged women not to avoid the procedure because of fear or misconceptions. She also cautioned that pain is not usually an early warning sign of breast cancer. Women should therefore consult healthcare professionals about unusual breast changes rather than waiting for pain to develop. Healthy Lifestyle Choices Support Overall Health Discussing prevention and risk factors, Dr Soomro highlighted smoking, alcohol consumption and obesity as factors associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. She encouraged women to maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly and adopt healthier lifestyles. She recommended around four hours of physical activity each week and noted that breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer. She also discussed reproductive factors, including the age at which a woman has her first child. Dr Zubala Yasir Lutfi, a food and nutrition expert, similarly emphasised the importance of a balanced diet containing essential nutrients to support overall health and immune function. The speakers stressed that healthy eating and physical activity should complement, rather than replace, medical screening and evidence-based cancer treatment. Breast Cancer Survivors Urge Women to Seek Timely Care Mahanaz Rahman, former Karachi Resident Director of the Aurat Foundation and a breast cancer survivor, encouraged women to overcome hesitation and seek timely medical advice, diagnosis and treatment. Diagnosed at the age of 75, Rahman called for awareness campaigns to reach women through communication channels they use every day. She urged mobile phone companies to revive breast cancer awareness messages as caller tunes, particularly during October. Recalling an earlier nationwide campaign led by Pakistan’s then First Lady, Rahman said the caller tunes had encouraged her to seek medical attention after she noticed early symptoms. Her experience, she said, demonstrated how accessible awareness messages could prompt women to take potentially lifesaving action. Senior journalist and breast cancer survivor Afia Salam also stressed the importance of vigilance among younger women, particularly those with a family history of the disease. She urged women to seek professional advice about their individual risk and appropriate screening, given the possible role of hereditary and genetic factors. Mental Health Support Essential for Patients and Families Dr Isra Hyder Shaikh, a psychiatrist, highlighted the need for accessible mental health services for women undergoing cancer treatment and their close relatives. She said psychological support could help patients and caregivers cope with the emotional challenges of diagnosis and treatment while maintaining morale and emotional wellbeing. Rahman also called for specialised counselling services, emphasising that women facing cancer need reassurance, guidance and compassionate care rather than additional psychological pressure. The speakers noted that emotional support should be an integral part of cancer care, helping patients and families navigate the treatment process. NFEH Calls for Affordable Screening Across Pakistan NFEH Secretary General Ruqiya Naeem, herself a breast cancer survivor, urged provincial governments, civil society, the corporate sector, non-profit organisations and philanthropists to establish a nationwide network of affordable screening, diagnostic and treatment facilities. She said women in rural and underprivileged communities often struggle to access or afford services available in major cities, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. Naeem called for the deployment of mobile medical vans equipped with breast screening and mammography facilities to reach women in remote areas. She emphasised that awareness campaigns must be accompanied by affordable diagnostics, timely referrals, accessible treatment and sustained public education. She added that access to healthcare should not depend on a woman’s financial circumstances or geographical location. NFEH Urges Action on Environmental Health Risks NFEH President Muhammad Naeem Qureshi called on the government and relevant regulatory authorities to investigate environmental factors that may contribute to Pakistan’s cancer burden and address pollution-related public health risks. The seminar concluded with a call for stronger public awareness, wider access to screening, timely diagnosis and compassionate support for patients and their families. The speakers stressed that early medical attention, evidence-based screening and coordinated healthcare services are essential to improving breast cancer outcomes and helping more women receive appropriate treatment before the disease advances.
