Int’l Day against Breast Cancer: Early detection key to survival

ISLAMABAD:  Today, Pakistan joins the global community in observing the International Day against Breast Cancer, dedicated to raising awareness about this prevalent disease and advocating for timely diagnosis and treatment for women.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  The annual international health campaign is organized yearly by major charities and organizations to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer.

Each year, October 19 marks World Breast Cancer Day, emphasizing the importance of addressing the most common tumor affecting women, with an estimated one in eight women worldwide experiencing this disease during their lifetime.

While there has been a gradual decrease in the mortality rate, global data from the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2020 revealed that breast cancer claimed the lives of 685,000 individuals worldwide.

In Pakistan, the burden of breast cancer remains significant, with an annual incidence of 90,000 new cases. However, it is encouraging to note that when diagnosed in the early stages, the survival rate exceeds 98 percent. The primary factor contributing to high mortality rates is the delayed diagnosis.

Understanding and overcoming anxiety in Pakistan

One of the chief culprits behind the causes of breast cancer is a lack of awareness among women about the disease and the critical significance of early detection. Insufficient knowledge often leads to delayed diagnosis, further compounding the problem of high mortality.

Early detection is a central theme in improving treatment outcomes and saving lives. Empowering women to take charge of their breast health through self-examination is a crucial step. This is especially pertinent for women with risk factors such as age, family history, hormone replacement therapy, lifestyle choices, and more, which can heighten susceptibility to breast cancer.

In his message on this occasion, President Dr. Arif Alvi expressed concern about Pakistan’s alarmingly high breast cancer mortality rate, one of the highest in Asia. He highlighted the limited breast cancer screening and treatment facilities in the country and stressed the importance of timely detection and early-stage treatment as a means to combat this grave issue.

The International Day against Breast Cancer serves as a reminder of the urgent need to promote awareness, education, and early intervention to reduce the impact of this disease on women’s lives in Pakistan and across the world.