BREAST CANCER AWARENESS SEMINAR AT FATIMA JINNAH MEDICAL UNIVERSITY

A seminar on breast cancer awareness was organized at Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore.

The Hon’ble Minister for Health Punjab, Prof. Dr. Javed Akram, graced the occasion as Chief Guest.

Former Principal FJMC Prof. Abdul Majeed Chaudhary and Principal Continental Medical College Prof. Ayesha Shoukat attended the seminar as guests of honour.

Breast consultants Prof. Dr. Hurriat Afzal, Prof. Dr. Andleeb Khanum, and renowned oncologist Dr. Sohail Murad also attended the training session as guest speakers.

The month of October has been marked as “Pinktober” across the world.

The core objective of this seminar is to raise awareness about breast cancer among participants and the general public.

In the welcome address, Vice Chancellor Fatima Jinnah Medical University Prof. Dr. Khalid Masood Gondal thanked the Chief Guest Health Minister Punjab and other guests for participating in the seminar. He said that breast cancer is a curable disease, and timely diagnosis can play an important role in its prevention. The prevalence of breast cancer is increasing rapidly in Pakistan, and along with this, mortality is also increasing. It is also becoming more and more common among young girls. The main take-home message on the Breast Cancer Awareness Seminar is to do your own self-examination and analysis. If you experience any problems, visit the SGRH Breast Clinic for appropriate treatment. At the end, he appreciated the services provided by Prof. Andleeb Khanum and Dr. Huriyat Afzal at the Breast Clinic of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore.

The Hon’ble Minister for Health Punjab, Prof. Dr. Javed Akram, said awareness is compulsory for the general public. He stated that it is concerning because the incidence of breast cancer is rising daily. He advised that routine check-ups, diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment of the disease, along with modern technology, are necessary. He also stressed the need for a balanced diet, a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, and weight control. He further stated the ambition of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Punjab to build a public-sector cancer hospital soon.

Breast Consultants Prof. Dr. Hurriat Afzal, Prof. Dr. Andleeb Khanum, and renowned oncologist Dr. Sohail Murad, with their expertise, delivered lectures on awareness of breast cancer and gave an in-depth overview of the danger signs and patient presentation, followed by a discussion of the prognosis for the patient.

The panel discussion began by emphasising the need to create awareness regarding the early signs and symptoms of breast cancer among the community, which can eventually lead to early detection, diagnosis, and a better prognosis. It was also highlighted the importance of lifestyle modifications to decrease the risk of developing cancer.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Khalid Masood Gondal distributed shields among the Chief Guest, Health Minister Punjab, and other guests at the end of the seminar.

A breast cancer awareness walk was also organized at the end of the seminar.