Breast Cancer Prevention Relies On Early Diagnosis

(CTN News) – In order to prevent and cure breast cancer among both males and females, health experts and doctors emphasize the crucial importance of public awareness and early diagnosis.

In order to save lives, early detection can save a substantial number of lives, and citizens, particularly women, are encouraged to actively disseminate breast cancer awareness.

Although Pakistan witnesses approximately 90,000 new cases of breast cancer annually, the disease has a survival rate of over 98% when detected at an early stage, making late diagnosis the primary cause of high mortality.

A breast cancer awareness seminar was held by the Institute of Gender Studies (IGS) at the University of Sindh Jamshoro on Tuesday.

In accordance with experts, October is recognized worldwide as breast cancer awareness month, including Pakistan. Every year in Pakistan, approximately 90,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women, primarily due to a lack of awareness and limited diagnostic facilities.

Director of the institute Professor Dr. Misbah Bibi Qureshi spoke at the seminar and emphasized the potential reduction in breast cancer incidence through increased public awareness and early detection.

Through seminars and social media initiatives throughout the month, she reiterated the institute’s commitment to fostering awareness.

In addition to advocating for comprehensive societal support for breast cancer survivors, Dr. Qureshi called for joint efforts to educate women on preventative measures and provide free access to medical camps.

Based on demographic shifts, Dr. Misbah Bibi Qureshi expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of breast cancer in Pakistan and neighboring countries.

Early stage identification has significantly contributed to the reduction of illness and mortality.

She acknowledged that Mammographic screening was influenced by a range of socio-cultural and economic factors but stressed that Pakistani women often seek medical attention at an advanced stage as a result of numerous socio-economic and cultural factors, including age, employment status, limited awareness, fear of surgery, and reliance on traditional treatments and spiritual healing.

According to Jamshoro Dr. Binafsha Manzoor Syed, director of Liaquat Medical University of Medical & Health Sciences (LUMHS)’s Office of Research Innovation & Commercialization (ORIC), breast cancer is more prevalent among women than in men.

In order to maintain their well-being, she urged women to conduct regular self-examinations.

According to her, 89 percent of breast cancer patients in the country were diagnosed at a later stage, with 59% at an advanced stage due to a lack of awareness.

Fear of stigmatization and feminine sensitivity are among the barriers to early detection and treatment in low- and middle-income countries, as well as physical barriers, which lead to psychosocial stress and reluctance to undergo screening and treatment.

According to Jamshoro Dr. Sadat Memon, Assistant Professor at LUMHS’ Department of Pharmacology, one out of every eight women in Pakistan will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives.

Many of them will succumb due to a lack of awareness. In addition to urging older women to conduct regular breast examinations, she emphasized the importance of open communication.

Women should undergo a mammogram and physical examination by a physician at least every two years, according to Dr. Memon.

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