By Hina Kiyani
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Breast Cancer Screening Centre at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) on Tuesday organized awareness seminar to educate the public about the disease, early diagnosis and encourage women to seek timely medical screening.
Addressing the seminar, US Chargé d’Affaires Ms Natalie A. Baker urged women to undergo regular medical check-ups, stressing that awareness and early detection were essential to preventing breast cancer from becoming life-threatening.
She said breast cancer was a serious health concern affecting women worldwide, including young women in Pakistan, and called for greater public awareness about the disease and its early warning signs. Ms Baker encouraged women not to feel embarrassed about discussing breast cancer with their families and friends, emphasizing that open communication could help patients seek timely medical advice and receive the support they needed.
She highlighted that women diagnosed with breast cancer required not only medical treatment but also mental, physical and psychological support from their families, friends and communities.
The US diplomat acknowledged ongoing efforts in Pakistan to address the disease and stressed the need to further strengthen awareness initiatives and encourage women to prioritize their health. She said awareness campaigns and timely medical consultations could play a significant role in improving treatment outcomes and saving precious lives.
Other speakers at the seminar also emphasized the importance of early diagnosis, public education and access to appropriate healthcare services, calling for collective efforts to remove the stigma associated with breast cancer and encourage women to seek medical advice without delay.
