President Dr. Arif Alvi said more than 100,000 women in Pakistan were diagnosed with breast cancer every year, of which 35,000 could not survive due to detection of the disease at late stages.
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President Dr. Arif Alvi said more than 100,000 women in Pakistan were diagnosed with breast cancer every year, of which 35,000 could not survive due to detection of the disease at late stages.
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He said the diagnosis of breast cancer at stage 1 had higher survival rates compared to stages 3 and 4 of the disease.
In an interactive session with journalists of print and electronic media here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, the president along with his wife Samina Alvi stressed breaking social taboos about breast cancer and the importance of the media’s role in sensitizing the general public.
President Alvi emphasized a preventive rather than curative approach as the government lacked ample resources to bear the unaffordable costs of medical treatment including the scanning and oncology procedures of breast cancer.
He called for educating women on how to conduct monthly self-examinations to locate an abnormal nodule and not to hesitate to seek urgent medical help.
President Alvi recalled that last year, PTA on his suggestion relayed 120 million call-waiting messages about breast cancer.
He urged journalists to join cause of fighting breast cancer by highlighting topic in their write-ups and tv programmes.
President mentioned that he and Samina Alvi for last five years had been raising consistent awareness campaigns on breast cancer from platform of Presidency.
He stressed continuity in policies on health and education despite changes in governments to ensure a healthy and balanced society.
He also emphasized focusing on health courses of short duration to produce larger number of healthcare workers to cater to needs of the population.
The session also highlighted importance of awareness about other health issues including mental health. President said as per research,24% of country’s population suffered from mental health issues whereas there were only 550psychiatrists & 1,200 psychologists available for them.
The President and Begum Alvi also responded to the questions of the journalists pertaining to the national-level efforts related to breast cancer and mental health.