Breast self-exam workshop held as UHS turns pink for awareness

The University of Health Sciences (UHS) marked Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a workshop on breast self-examination, encouraging women to take charge of their own health. The event was organized by the Department of Public Health with the special efforts of Dr. Hassan Zahid-Assistant Professor Public Health and his team comprising Dr.Sibgha Usman,Dr.Iqra Hafeez,Ms.Warda Nisar and Ms. Nayab Zafar.

Students and faculty turned the campus pink, reflecting the global theme of breast cancer awareness. The activity included hands-on demonstrations, awareness talks, and a walk to show solidarity with women fighting the disease.

UHS Vice Chancellor Professor Ahsan Waheed Rathore urged everyone to play their part in spreading awareness. “Talk to the women closest to you. Tell them how to check themselves and encourage them to seek help early if they find anything worrying. Awareness without follow-up does not change outcomes, so we must also monitor how our message is reaching people,” he said.

Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Nadia Nadeem highlighted the role of medical students in community education. “We teach our students not just to cure but to communicate. When they take awareness into homes, they multiply the impact of these initiatives,” she said.

Registrar Kiran Fatima appreciated the Public Health Department’s initiative, saying that the demonstrations made the process less intimidating. “When people see how simple it is, they’re more likely to make it a regular habit,” she added.

Head, Public Health Department, Professor Sumaira Ehsan, conducted the practical session, explaining the three basic steps of breast self-examination — look, feel, and report. “Knowing your normal is the first step toward detecting any abnormal change early,” she said.

UHS Director Medical Education and gynaecologist, Dr. Lamia Yousaf, gave the hands-on training. She emphasized that regular self-exams should be part of every woman’s monthly routine. “Your health is in your own hands. A few minutes of awareness each month can save years of life and suffering,” she said.

Professor Ayesha Humayun, Principal of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Alnahyan Medical College, called for broader outreach. “Our students are connected to the community. They must carry this message wherever they go,” she said.

Professor Sidrah Saleem, Director of the UHS Research and Development Centre, underlined the need for linking awareness with access to services. “Knowledge must connect to action. If someone detects a lump or change, there should be a clear, easy pathway for consultation and screening,” she said.

Dr. Hassan Zahid thanked his team and the students for their active participation. “Our aim is to empower through knowledge and confidence,” he said. The event concluded with a symbolic pink walk across the campus, where students, faculty, and staff pledged to spread the message of early detection and awareness.

UHS organisers said they plan repeat sessions and community outreach in the coming weeks, focusing on practical demonstrations, referral pathways and monitoring how the message spreads through families and neighbourhoods. As UHS VC put it, “Start close. Teach your near ones. Then check that teaching made a difference.”