Breast Cancer Awarness Seminar

The month of October is observed as Breast Cancer Awareness Month worldwide. The campaign is aimed at educating people about the importance of early screening, detection and treatment of breast cancer.According to WHO, breast cancer is by far the most common cancer in women worldwide, both in developed and developing countries and a primary cause of death of women in metropolitan cities. To support the cause,The Breast Cancer Awareness Seminar organized by the collaborated efforts of  Khyber Medical University Institute of Health Sciences Islamabad and Health Services Academy , held on the 19th of October 2022.The speaker was Dr.Zainab Hafeez Beginning with a general outlook on all types of cancers, Dr. Zainab Hafeez moved on to talk about the lifestyle changes that are resulting in an increase in breast cancer cases. She highlighted the importance of regular self-inspection and clinical selfexamination for the early detection of breast cancer as 80% cases are detected at the advanced stage. This information was necessary because statistics show that Pakistan has the highest number of breast cancer patients but still there is very little awareness about it. Therefore important questions such as what is breast cancer? How does one know if she is experiencing symptoms of breast cancer? When is it appropriate to talk to a doctor? Are a few questions that should be properly answered. The Breast Cancer Awareness Seminar at IHS-Islamabad discussed these and many more issues .She discussed a logical framework for diagnosis and numerous causes and hazardous factors. From symptoms to prevention, breast cancer was discussed in detail.

The seminar ended with leaving a huge impact on the students of IHS-ISB. The realization of the seriousness of this disease was felt and the students were educated on detecting signs and symptoms of breast cancer on their own. In addition, the precautions and treatments were discussed in detail. The breast cancer seminar helped raise great attention and support for the awareness.In the end, questions from the audience were taken up and informative pamphlets encasing detailed information about Breast Self-Examination (BSE) were distributed among the students and faculty members.Dean Allied Health Sciences and Director IHS-Islamabad thanked Dr.Zainab and her entire team.