‘Early diagnosis can help treat breast cancer’

LAHORE
Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre organised a special event to observe International Breast Cancer Awareness Day on Wednesday in the hospital. The event was part of “Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign” being launched by the hospital to create awareness among masses about breast cancer.
According to a press release issued here Wednesday, famous film star and SKMCH&RC ambassador for the campaign Mahira Khan and renowned singer Hadiqa Kiani, consultants, doctors, students and teachers from different female education institutions and people from different walks of life were present on this occasion. Ayesha Sana hosted the well-attended event.
Addressing the audience on this occasion, Mahira Khan and Hadiqa Kiani appreciated the doctors and management of SKMCH&RC for their efforts to highlight and discuss this issue in the masses and trying to create awareness about this disease.
Talking to the audience, Dr Mazhar Ali Shah, Radiation oncologist discussed different methods of the treatment and its steps. He highlighted different researches from history and present day, related to breast cancer and its cure. He said it was important for every woman at the age of 40 and above to visit doctor once every year and have her mammography done.
Dr Amna Iqbal, consultant surgeon, SKMCH&RC talked about the symptoms of breast cancer. She said the symptoms vary from person to person but mainly discussed the most common findings in breast cancer patients. She said it was important for every woman to self-examine herself regularly and search for the minor changes occurring in the body. She also said that they must share with doctor any sort of changes being observed if so, as early and timely diagnosis can prevent this disease from growing more complicated. She emphasised that early diagnosis and treatment was the key that could bring almost 100 percent results in breast cancer treatment and cure. Consultant oncologist Dr Neelam Siddiqi discussed different steps involved in the treatment procedure. She said that almost every patient undergoes from the first step of this procedure i.e. surgery, which follows chemotherapy and radiation therapy. She said that although we, as oncologists, give our best to treat this disease but its patient’s own will power and courage to fight against any situation and disease that help them to fight successfully.
A cured patient of SKMCH&RC, Humaira Shazia shared her story of life and told the audience that how she fought against breast cancer. She thanked the doctors and the hospital management for their support and care provided to her in her treatment. She said that we can defeat any hardship through courage and must not let ourselves down. In the end, Dr Aasim Yousaf, Medical Director SKMCH&RC thanked the participants and appreciated the efforts of education institutions, teachers and students, hospital doctors, marketing team and also thanked all the sponsors for contributing in this campaign.