Religious Society
Good Health and Well-being
Pakistan is at the forefront globally in the prevalence of breast cancer among women. With timely diagnosis and proper treatment, a hundred percent recovery is possible from this disease. Breast cancer is spreading alarmingly in Pakistani women, and among Asian countries, Pakistan tops the list. Every year, over 80,000 women in Pakistan are diagnosed with breast cancer, and more than 40,000 of them succumb to the disease, making it a significant cause of mortality. One in every nine women is at risk of being affected by this disease.
The International Breast Cancer Symposium, Bridging the Gaps: Integrated Team Approach in Breast Cancer Care; was held at TUF, bringing together experts, researchers, healthcare professionals, and advocates dedicated to advancing knowledge and understanding in the field of breast cancer. Mr Mike McKirdy, President of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Glasgow, Scotland, was the chief guest. Mr Muhammad Haider Amin, Chairman, Board of Governors also attended the event.
Mr Mike emphasized in his address that breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. However, with timely diagnosis and systematic treatment, a complete cure for this disease is possible. To effectively prevent and treat diseases like breast cancer, collaboration between the fields of oncology, surgery, radiology, community medicine, nursing, and other related fields is essential. He praised the state-of-the-art medical facilities for breast cancer diagnosis and treatment at the Madina Teaching Hospital, emphasizing the efforts of the hospital's administration and especially the Chairman Board of Governors. He also highlighted that community initiatives and technical interventions are required in Pakistan to promote breast cancer awareness, as it has become the most common cancer within the last few years. He pointed out that mammograms are difficult to use in Pakistan as these are highly expensive equipment; even Switzerland, being the richest country, has stopped using mammograms. Furthermore, he expressed the view that we need to work together through multidisciplinary programs with collaboration and willingness.
Earlier, in his inaugural speech, Professor Dr Aamir Ali Chaudhry, Principal, University Medical and Dental College, highlighted the importance of creating awareness about breast cancer in women. He also provided information about the medical facilities available at the Madina Teaching Hospital in this regard. Prof Dr Saira Saleem, Head, Breast Surgery Department at MTH stressed in her speech the importance of raising awareness about breast cancer in women to enable successful treatment through timely diagnosis. She particularly emphasized the need to raise awareness among rural women.
The event featured an impressive lineup of keynote speakers, including Professor Dr Abdul Majeed Chaudhry, Chairman of the Surgical Cancer Care Hospital and Dean Lahore Medical and Dental College; Prof Dr Zafar Ali Chaudhry, Vice-Chancellor of Faisalabad Medical University; Prof Dr Faisal Bilal Lodhi, Principal Punjab Medical College; Prof Dr Ahmad Aziz Qureshi, Prof of Surgery Mayo Hospital Lahore; Prof Dr Muhammad Asghar Butt, Regional Director College of Physicians and Surgeons; Professor Dr Tahir Bashir, Head of Oncology Department at Faisalabad Medical University; Dr Babar Imran, Director of PINUM Cancer Hospital; Dr Mailah Altaf, Surgeon from District Headquarters Hospital Gujranwala; Professor Dr Akram Malik, Vice Principal UMDC; Dr Nayab Alia, Head of Radiology Department MTH and other experts who provided detailed insights into the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.
There was also a panel discussion session of field experts to discuss how we can bridge the gaps and ensure continuity of care. The symposium attracted specialist and trainee doctors from different cities of Pakistan and actively encouraged audience participation through Q&A sessions. The event was also a source of networking opportunities with President Mr Mike McKirdy and experts of the multidisciplinary team. Attendees had the chance to engage with speakers, share their experiences, and exchange ideas with peers, fostering a collaborative and supportive atmosphere. At the end of the event, Mr Mike visited various departments and the library of the university and planted a commemorative sapling in the university lawn as well.
The Breast Cancer Symposium provided a platform for meaningful discussions, knowledge sharing, and collaboration. The insights gained and connections made during the event are anticipated to contribute significantly to the ongoing efforts in the fight against breast cancer.
