President Dr. Arif Alvi has said different segments of the society including educational institutions and chambers of commerce have been approached and different tools are being employed to raise greater awareness about breast cancer.

In an interactive session with Social Media professionals in Islamabad on Friday, he emphasized for early diagnosis of the disease to save lives as well as avoid expensive treatment such as mammography.

Describing social media as a powerful medium, the President said their practitioners should also come forward and play their role in raising awareness about breast cancer.

Arif Alvi pointed out that speaking about breast cancer was considered a taboo in our society but over the last four years a sustained campaign spearheaded by First Lady Samina Alvi has produced some good results in spreading the message about breast cancer in every nook and corner of the country. Messages are also being transmitted on the cell phones. 

Responding to a question, the President said that a national level cancer registry has also been established to truly understand the prevalence, survival rate and other parameters of the disease.

In her remarks, First Lady Samina Alvi said given its vast outreach, the role of Radio Pakistan is important vis-e-vis disseminating important messages across the length and breadth of Pakistan.

She said we are focusing more on early diagnosis of the disease in view of the shortage of health facilities and mammography machines. She said we are trying to create awareness through multiple means including through Radio and Television. 

The First Lady stressed for collective efforts to achieve the target of early diagnosis of the disease amongst majority of women. In this regard, the role of men is also very pivotal.

Samina Alvi said we are also working for the protection of rights of differently abled persons and to ensure that they get job opportunities.