Islamabad (TDI): In a seminar on breast cancer awareness, jointly organized by Maroof International Hospital and the Islamabad Marriott Hotel, Pakistan’s Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani drew attention to “the need for joint efforts to create awareness and educate masses” about the disease.
According to a statement released by the office of the Chairman, Gilani “commended Maroof International Hospital and Islamabad Marriott Hotel for their collaborative efforts in raising awareness about breast cancer, stating that such partnerships between the public and private sectors were vital for advancing preventive healthcare and saving lives.”
The event aimed to promote early detection, education, and community engagement in the fight against breast cancer, as the ongoing month of October is marked worldwide as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
In Pakistan, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer, with 90,000 new cases diagnosed annually. The risk percentage in the country is also high, and late detection remains the primary cause of 40,000 deaths each year.
1 in 9 women in Pakistan is at the risk of developing breast cancer in her lifetime. This is the highest risk percentage in Asia.
Chairman Senate also said that October should not be limited to mere symbolic pink ribbon campaigns. Instead, the month is marked each year to renew commitment and expand education around the disease.
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“Behind every number is a mother, a sister, a daughter — someone whose dreams and potential are cut short by this devastating disease,” he said.
He stressed the need for integrating mental health support into cancer care, saying that psychological counselling and support groups must be accessible from diagnosis through recovery.
He also apprised the medical community of the recent passage of the National Institutes of Health (Reorganization) Amendment Act 2025, which mandates the establishment of a national cancer patient registry at the National Institute of Health.
This initiative, he said, will provide vital data to help policymakers design evidence-based cancer prevention and control strategies nationwide.
“The Parliament stands ready to support all initiatives that promote women’s health, early cancer detection, and access to quality healthcare for all, regardless of background or income,” he affirmed.
“When a woman remains untreated or unheard, it is not just a personal tragedy, it is a loss for society as a whole,” Chairman Senate emphasized.
The Chairman of Maroof International Hospital, Ch. Naseer Ahmad, gave a stirring message of urgency and unity.
“Breast cancer is not just a medical issue — it’s a societal challenge,” he declared. “We must end the silence, break the stigma, and ensure that no woman in Pakistan dies because she couldn’t access care in time.” CEO Haroon Naseer, in his remarks, reinforced the importance of prevention and access.
Hassan Khan, Hotel manager at Islamabad Marriott Hotel, reaffirmed the hotel’s dedication to corporate social responsibility, noting that initiatives like these reflect their long-standing support for women’s health and community wellbeing.
Dr. Mir Waheed, Head of Emergency at Maroof International Hospital said: “One in nine women in Pakistan will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Early detection is critical — and entirely possible when women are empowered with the right knowledge.”
Medical experts shared invaluable insights throughout the event. Dr. Saira Mahmood highlighted awareness as the first step in prevention, Dr. Yassir Rehman emphasized the importance of timely diagnosis in treatment success, and Dr. Ayesha Amin stressed the life-saving potential of regular mammograms.
One of the most inspiring moments came from Aliya Agha, breast cancer survivor and CEO of Margalla Tribune, whose emotional story moved the audience. “If my journey encourages even one woman to seek early screening, then I’ve done something worthwhile,” she said, drawing a standing ovation.
Sohail Majeed
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
