Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission is launching a public awareness campaign on cancer-related diseases, especially breast cancer, to promote information on "Early Presentation, Timely Diagnosis" for effective control and cure.
This was stated by Dr Kauser Abdulla Malik while speaking as the chief guest at the concluding ceremony of a one-week workshop on "Radionuclide Treatment of Liver Cancer" jointly organised by PAEC and IAEA.
He informed that the best remedy for cancer is its early diagnosis, and public awareness on this paramount information is key to the prevention of this dreaded disease. "As mass awareness is so vital, PAEC has launched an extensive campaign on the subject in the media as a result of which more and more patients are reporting at all of our cancer hospitals in the country," he added.
Additionally, to cater to the screening, diagnosis and treatment of the most commonly occurring breast cancer in women, the Commission has established breast cancer clinics in all of its 13 cancer hospitals where the diagnosis and treatment is performed by women doctors and female staff, Dr Malik said.
To enlarge these services, PAEC has launched mobile medical unit carrying screening and diagnostic equipment to render services in cancer-related diseases in remote areas, he added.
Speaking on the occasion, IAEA expert Dr N. Watanabe said that the international experts, gathered in the workshop, have gained immensely from each other's experience, which is precisely the purpose of such professional get-togethers.
Dr Rafaqat Jafri, director NORI, informed that nuclear-related therapy, already in practice in many countries, was first time administered in Pakistan to a liver cancer patient in NORI hospital the other day and this new approach to the cure of the disease provides a new hope of treatment for liver ailments.
He also presented the brief summary of workshop's proceedings.