Calls for Free Mammography Testing at Government Hospitals Across Pakistan
Commerce Desk
Rawalpindi: The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), in collaboration with Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, organized a Breast Cancer Awareness Seminar to promote early detection, prevention, and timely treatment of breast cancer and strengthen public awareness of this critical health issue.
The seminar was addressed by RCCI President Nosherwan Khalil Khan, RCCI Patron-in-Chief Sohail Altaf, Senior Vice President Waseem Aslam, Senator Sherry Rehman, Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment Fouzia Waqar, Dr. Anila Amin Khattak, Chairperson Romana Parvez, and other speakers.
The speakers urged the government to provide free mammography testing facilities at all government hospitals across Pakistan to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment, particularly for women who cannot afford expensive medical tests.
Addressing the inaugural session, Senator Sherry Rehman said that delays in breast cancer diagnosis remain a major cause of preventable deaths. She highlighted the alarming situation in Pakistan, where more than 100 women reportedly lose their lives to the disease every day.
She emphasized that expanding access to screening services, launching community-level awareness campaigns, and adopting a coordinated national healthcare strategy are essential to reducing breast cancer mortality. She stressed that financial constraints should not prevent any woman from accessing essential diagnostic tests and treatment.
RCCI President Nosherwan Khalil Khan, in his address, highlighted that Pakistan is among the Asian countries with a high incidence of breast cancer, with approximately one in every nine women at risk of developing the disease during her lifetime. He emphasized that early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival prospects, making public awareness, regular screening, and accessible healthcare facilities essential.
He further stressed the need for coordinated efforts among government institutions, healthcare organizations, the private sector, and civil society to strengthen breast cancer prevention and ensure timely diagnosis and quality treatment for women across the country.
Participants called for comprehensive nationwide breast cancer screening and treatment services, the provision of modern diagnostic equipment at government hospitals, and the availability of trained medical professionals. They also underscored the importance of educating women about early warning signs and encouraging timely medical consultations.
The seminar concluded with a shared commitment to promoting breast cancer awareness, encouraging preventive measures, and improving access to early diagnosis and treatment. Speakers emphasized that sustained collective efforts are essential to saving lives and ensuring better healthcare facilities for women throughout Pakistan.
