Breast Cancer Awareness by Shaukat Khanum Hospital

In the hustle and bustle of life, we often overlook the small changes happening within us. Breast cancer remains a primary concern worldwide, but early detection can genuinely save lives.

Since the 1980s, there has been a 40% reduction in breast cancer mortality in high-income countries. Unfortunately, this progress has yet to be achieved in most low- and middle-income countries, where survival rates lag due to a lack of awareness, early detection, and access to timely treatment.

In Pakistan, breast cancer is alarmingly common, with 1 in 9 women at risk of facing this disease. At Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospitals and Research Centres, 46% of cancers diagnosed in women since 1994 have been breast cancers. The statistics emphasise the urgent need for awareness and timely action.

This year, our focus is on paying attention to yourself. As part of this initiative, we organised a Breast Cancer Awareness Day on October 2, 2024, at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Lahore. Students from various schools and colleges joined us to learn about breast cancer, its risks, and prevention.

During the event, our oncologists emphasised the importance of early detection of breast cancer and timely access to treatment in saving lives. It was inspiring to see women of different ages proudly wearing pink ribbons and badges, actively engaging in discussions and gaining valuable insights in a welcoming, supportive environment.

We also conducted a Breast Cancer Awareness Day in Pearl Continental Hotel Karachi. Additionally, we held a separate Breast Cancer Awareness Session for around 60 hearing-impaired women from various organisations. This session was facilitated by Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital, with support from the Media Deaf Interpreters Women Wing, ensuring accessibility for all participants.

Every year, thousands of females lose their lives due to a lack of awareness; many women do not share their health issues with others and are shy to go for any kind of breast examination. 

At Shaukat Khanum Hospitals, we strive to ensure that breast cancer patients know that no matter what, we stand with them and they are not alone in their fight against cancer. Women under 40 should carry out monthly self-examinations, while those over 40 should have yearly mammography screening and monthly self-examinations.

Over the years, Shaukat Khanum Hospital has initiated Pink Tea Parties to promote breast cancer awareness and spark conversations around this issue. The initiative empowers women to raise awareness and foster hope within their circles while encouraging a healthier future for the next generation by providing free Pink Tea Party kits that include informative handouts. Over 800 Pink Tea Parties are being hosted globally this year, underscoring the collective commitment to early detection and improving health.

In a nutshell, self-examination should be practised as a lifestyle. It should be made a part of our routine conversations to help the maximum number of individuals and to save lives.