Breast Cancer Most Prevalent in Pakistani Women
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Pakistan whereas in the western countries it is second only to lung cancer in the female population. Speakers at an awareness raising programme organised at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month, discussed issues regarding breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. The month of October is marked as Breast Cancer Awareness Month worldwide.
Speakers informed the audience comprising patients, their families, representatives from social organisations and general public, that successful management in last two decades has been possible largely due to early screening and timely diagnosis as well due to new generation of chemotherapeutic agents. Different medicines are now being used to effectively treat breast cancer.
Professor Shaista Khan, Department of Surgery, Dr Farrok Karsan, Assistant Professor and Head Section of Radiation Oncology, and Dr Azmina Valimohammad, Consultant Oncologist addressed the event. They emphasised the importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment to achieve successful outcomes. The speakers also stressed that breast cancer screening programmes should be done on routine basis to ensure diagnosis at an early stage.
Several breast cancer survivors shared their experiences at the programme. A question and answer session followed with panelists including Dr Nehal Masood, Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, and Dr Nazia Riaz, Consultant General Surgeon.
As part of its outreach programme and societal commitment of creating awareness of early diagnosis and timely treatment, AKUH regularly organises health awareness programmes.
For further information, please contact:
Department of Public Affairs
Aga Khan University
Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500, Karachi-74000.
Fax: 4934294, 4932095
www.aku.edu
|
