Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre opened Breast Cancer Awareness Day with an event attended by medical experts, survivors, and more than 400 students from 30 universities.
Participants took the “I pledge to check” oath during the campaign event.
Experts said breast cancer remains the most common cancer in Pakistan, with the World Health Organization estimating nearly 44,000 new cases each year.
They added that the disease has a 98 percent cure rate when detected early.
Dr Mazhar Ali Shah, Consultant in Clinical and Radiation Oncology, urged women to know their normal body changes and watch for painless lumps, abnormal nipple discharge and skin changes.
He said self-examinations and local awareness efforts remain important, especially in rural areas where mammography is limited.
Dr Tahira Yasmeen, Consultant Medical Oncologist, said breast cancer has different types and requires individualised treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy or hormonal treatment.
She said modern treatment helps manage side effects better and urged men to support women in seeking timely medical care.
Dr Amina Khan, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, said nearly 80 percent of breast surgeries at Shaukat Khanum are now breast-conserving, improving quality of life after treatment.
Senior Research Scientist Dr Usman Rashid spoke about the role of genomics in tailoring treatment and identifying high-risk mutations.
Survivors Gulnaz Ayaz and Amina Ejaz shared how family support and the hospital’s care helped them overcome stigma and recovery challenges.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Aasim Yusuf said SKMCH&RC led Pakistan’s first breast cancer awareness activities in 1995 and welcomed the broader awareness campaigns now being run by different organisations.
He said many women still arrive for treatment at Stage 3, highlighting the need for earlier screening and awareness.
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