Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani issued a stark warning on Thursday, stating that social stigma and a lack of awareness are leading to delayed diagnoses and fueling a breast cancer crisis that continues to be a devastating threat to women’s health in Pakistan. He poignantly remarked, ‘Behind every statistic is a mother, sister, or daughter whose dreams are cut short by this devastating disease.’
Addressing a seminar as the chief guest, Gilani emphasized the urgent necessity for joint and sustained efforts to educate the public on the ailment. The event, co-hosted by Maroof International Hospital and the Islamabad Marriott Hotel, was organized to champion early detection and foster community engagement in the fight against breast cancer.
In his keynote address, the Senate Chairman praised the collaborative initiative, highlighting that public-private partnerships are vital for advancing preventive healthcare and ultimately saving lives. He asserted that such cooperation is crucial to making meaningful progress.
He stressed that Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October should be more than a symbolic campaign, calling for it to be a period of renewed commitment to education about a condition that claims countless lives.
Chairman Gilani also brought a critical and often overlooked issue to the forefront: the integration of mental health support into cancer care. He insisted that psychological counselling and support groups must be available to patients throughout their treatment journey. “Healing the mind is as integral to healing the body,” he said.
The Senate Chairman informed the medical community of a significant legislative step, the recently passed National Institutes of Health (Reorganisation) Amendment Act 2025. This act mandates the creation of a national cancer patient registry, a tool he said will generate essential data for evidence-based policymaking for cancer prevention and control.
“The Parliament stands ready to support all initiatives that promote women’s health, early cancer detection, and equitable access to quality healthcare,” Gilani affirmed. Recalling his time as Prime Minister, he noted his consistent championing of healthcare access, stating a nation’s advancement is dependent on the health of its women.
Concluding his address, Chairman Gilani paid tribute to the fortitude of cancer survivors and those struggling with mental health challenges. He also commended breast cancer survivor Aliya Agha, proposing she be appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for Pink Ribbon and related awareness initiatives.