Sanofi-aventis organised a "breast cancer awareness and survival" programme with the Aga Khan University Hospital, an initiative to raise public awareness regarding signs, symptoms, treatment and care of breast cancer.
Breast cancer is the most common malignancy afflicting women in Pakistan and other parts of the world. It emerged that while various different protocols (medicines) are available for the treatment of breast cancer, its early diagnosis and prompt commencement of treatment are extremely important in order to optimise the benefit of treatment.
Doctors, considered to be local authorities in this field, led the event. Presenters and speakers at the programme included Professor Shaista Khan, Doctors Farrokh Karsan, Nehal Masood and Azmina Valimohammad. They said the link between early diagnosis and longer survival following treatment, strongly advocating routine breast cancer screening to aid diagnosis at an early stage. Speakers challenged common perceptions regarding mortality and difficulty in the treatment of early stage breast cancer.
Several breast cancer survivors who had completed treatment successfully shared their experiences. The programme concluded with a lively question and answer session and a general consensus that similar public awareness and educational programmes must continue to be held throughout the year, around the country.