Pink Ribbon CEO calls on Aseefa Bhutto to discus breast cancer issue

Pink Ribbon Pakistan CEO Omer Aftab called on First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr to discuss ways to raise awareness about breast cancer, reported 24NewsHD TV Channel on Tuesday. 

During the meeting, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari said that breast cancer was the most common disease among women in Pakistan, and the highest in prevalence in South Asia. 

She said one in every nine women in Pakistan were at risk of breast cancer. However, the cure rate was above 90 percent in the case of timely diagnosis. First Lady urges the need that that government institutions, medical experts, media, should join hands to create awareness about this disease. Aseefa lamented that emphasized that delayed diagnosis killed thousands of women every year. 

“Every woman, regardless of where she lives, must have access to timely screening, diagnosis, and treatment,” she added. 

Aseefa said that Women's health would be made a national priority. First Lady said that there is a need to increase breast cancer treatment and diagnosis facilities in rural areas, and there is a need to promote mobile mammography units and community outreach programs. 

She urged all the stakeholders, including the media, educators, and religious leaders, to spearhead a nationwide awareness drive, encouraging early detection and timely medical intervention.