Thursday, 28 March 2024, 09:19:17 pm

Radio Pakistan can be utilized for community outreach, public awareness about breast cancer: President
September 29, 2020

President Dr Arif Alvi says government is going to launch massive campaign to raise awareness about breast cancer in the country during the month of October commencing from Thursday.

Interacting with journalists in Islamabad on Tuesday, he said October has been dedicated as the month of “Pinktober” to raise the awareness about breast cancer.

The President said health ministry is working to establish a Call Center to provide assistance to the people about the breast cancer, where online doctors and psychologists will be available round the clock.  

He said screening centers have been established at designated locations across Pakistan to reduce mortality and morbidity in the country.

The President appreciated the role of media in highlighting and breaking the taboos about breast cancer.

Highlighting the role of Radio Pakistan in reaching out far flung areas of the country, he said outreach of Radio Pakistan can be fully utilized to create awareness about the disease in rural areas. He urged journalists to play their best role in this regards.

The President said approximately 90,000 new cases are diagnosed every year, out of which almost 40,000 to 45,000 women die of late diagnosis.  

Briefing about the breast cancer awareness campaign, Dr Arif Alvi said walks, seminars, and conferences will be held nationwide to apprise people about this illness. He said this year, we will focus on girls' schools, colleges, and universities to create awareness and First lady Dr Samina Alvi will participate in these events.

Speaking to journalist Dr Samina Alvi says we have written letters to parliamentarians to highlight this issue in public. She said women journalists have special role in this regards.

The First Lady said early diagnosis and screening help in speedy recovery and saving precious lives of women. She also highlighted the role of men in supporting women in the awareness and psychological support of patients.