RAWALPINDI (Special Correspondent) – The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), in collaboration with the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, organized a breast cancer awareness seminar to promote early detection, prevention, and timely treatment while addressing the rising need for accessible medical services. This critical health initiative highlighted the urgent requirement for free mammography testing at government hospitals across Pakistan to assist women who face financial barriers to life-saving diagnostic care.

Key Points

• The seminar emphasized the necessity of providing free mammography testing at all government hospitals nationwide.
• Senator Sherry Rehman noted that more than 100 women in Pakistan lose their lives to breast cancer every day.
• RCCI President Nosherwan Khalil Khan stated that approximately one in every nine women in Pakistan is at risk of developing the disease.
• Speakers urged a coordinated national strategy involving government, private, and civil society sectors to improve treatment outcomes.

Addressing the Need for Free Mammography Services

Addressing the inaugural session, Senator Sherry Rehman identified delays in diagnosis as a primary cause of preventable mortality. She advocated for expanded access to screening, stronger community-level awareness campaigns, and a unified healthcare approach to lower the national breast cancer death toll. She maintained that financial constraints must not obstruct any patient’s right to essential diagnostic services.

RCCI President Nosherwan Khalil Khan underscored the severity of the situation, noting that Pakistan reports one of the highest incidences of the disease in Asia. He reiterated that public awareness and regular screening are vital components of any successful national healthcare initiative aimed at improving long-term survival prospects.

Collaboration for Better Health Outcomes

The seminar featured contributions from RCCI Patron-in-Chief Sohail Altaf, Senior Vice President Waseem Aslam, Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment Fouzia Waqar, Dr. Anila Amin Khattak, and Chairperson Romana Parvez. Participants reached a consensus on the need for modern diagnostic equipment and better training for medical professionals within public facilities.

The event concluded with a formal commitment to sustained efforts in education and advocacy. By fostering partnerships between the private sector and government institutions, organizers hope to ensure that quality screening and treatment become accessible to women throughout the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the primary goal of the RCCI seminar?

The seminar aimed to promote early detection and prevention of breast cancer while advocating for free mammography testing at government hospitals across Pakistan.

What is the current risk of breast cancer in Pakistan?

According to RCCI President Nosherwan Khalil Khan, approximately one in every nine women in Pakistan is at risk of developing breast cancer during her lifetime.