President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari have urged women across Pakistan to prioritise their health, seek timely medical advice and access prompt treatment on World Breast Cancer Awareness Day.
In their respective messages, the leaders stressed that early diagnosis, quality healthcare and support from families and communities are essential to tackling breast cancer and ensuring that no woman is denied treatment because of financial constraints or limited access to medical facilities.
President Zardari highlighted the importance of providing emotional, social and family support to women affected by breast cancer throughout their treatment journey.
He encouraged women to consult medical professionals without hesitation whenever they have health concerns and urged the public to play an active role in raising awareness about the disease.
The president’s message underscored the need for a supportive environment in which women can seek medical guidance without fear, stigma or social pressure.
Shehbaz calls for timely diagnosis and quality treatment
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan was raising a strong voice for breast cancer awareness and working alongside the international community to address health challenges affecting women.
He described breast cancer awareness, early diagnosis, timely treatment and patient care as critical public health priorities, stressing that any nation concerned about the well-being of its daughters, mothers and sisters must take the disease seriously.
The prime minister said the government had formulated an effective strategy to improve access to quality breast cancer treatment and was working to ensure specialised cancer care across the country.
He emphasised that social awareness played a pivotal role in helping women access the medical services they need.
Rural women need greater access to screening
Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the difficulties faced by women in rural and underdeveloped areas, where access to healthcare facilities and specialised treatment can be limited.
He said women living in these communities deserved particular attention and called for stronger efforts to bring screening and medical services closer to those who need them.
“It is our firm resolve that no Pakistani daughter should be deprived of medical treatment due to a lack of financial means,” the prime minister said.
He also acknowledged the tireless efforts of Lady Health Workers in remote areas, praising their dedicated service in helping women access medical facilities.
Lady Health Workers trained to identify symptoms
The government is placing particular emphasis on breast cancer awareness through the training and curriculum of Lady Health Workers, especially in self-examination, recognising symptoms, seeking timely medical advice and accessing appropriate medical centres.
Specialised training is also being provided to healthcare staff working at primary healthcare centres in both urban and rural areas. The initiative aims to strengthen their capacity to detect suspected breast cancer cases at an early stage and guide patients towards appropriate care.
These efforts are intended to improve awareness at the community level and reduce delays in seeking medical assistance.
PIMS offers free diagnostic services
The Federal Screening Center established at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) provides free diagnostic services and medication for patients requiring breast cancer-related care.
The centre also facilitates the timely referral of suspected cases for further medical evaluation and treatment.
The government is taking additional steps to expand access to breast cancer screening through public health initiatives, social protection programmes and collaboration with private organisations.
Coordination among healthcare institutions and other relevant stakeholders is also being strengthened to improve screening, diagnosis, referral and treatment services.
Aseefa urges women to seek medical advice
First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari urged women to remain attentive to changes in their health and consult qualified medical professionals whenever they have concerns.
Her message reinforced the importance of timely medical consultations and ensuring that women do not delay seeking care when they notice potential symptoms.
The broader appeal from the country’s leadership is aimed at encouraging women to make their health a priority and seek professional guidance without hesitation.
End to stigma surrounding breast cancer
The prime minister noted that breast cancer can have a profound impact on the social and psychological well-being of patients and their families. He said a compassionate approach, a supportive environment and respect for each patient’s specific needs and preferences were fundamental to an effective response to the disease.
Addressing women, Shehbaz said their health was of paramount importance to the entire nation and urged anyone with concerns to seek medical guidance without delay. He described healthy and prosperous mothers as the cornerstone of a healthy and bright future.
The prime minister called on families, social circles, the media, religious leaders, educational institutions, civil society and medical professionals to help break the silence and hesitation surrounding breast cancer. He urged them to encourage women to undergo timely medical check-ups and receive appropriate treatment.
Govt pledges continued efforts to protect women’s health
Shehbaz said awareness must reach every household so that women have the knowledge, confidence and courage to seek medical help without fear, hesitation or concern about negative social judgement.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to taking all possible measures to safeguard women’s health and improve their access to medical facilities.
