Islamabad, On the eve of the International Day Against Breast Cancer, Begum Samina Alvi, the First Lady of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, underscored the importance of early diagnosis to combat the high mortality rate of breast cancer in Pakistan. Highlighting that breast cancer accounts for almost 44% of all cancer cases in Pakistani women, she stressed the significance of early detection, which can result in a 98% recovery rate. Due to social stigmas in Pakistan, many women delay seeking an early diagnosis, resulting in a concerning 50% death rate.

For the past five years, the First Lady has been at the forefront of advocacy efforts, encouraging women to engage in monthly self-examinations and seek medical advice for any abnormalities. Their campaigns have effectively countered social stigmas, resulting in a noticeable rise in the reporting of early-stage breast cancer cases. Reaffirming her commitment, Begum Alvi urged media outlets to contribute to this cause, emphasizing their role in raising awareness and potentially saving lives. This information was provided by the Press Information Department