‘Breast cancer is not just a battle fought within hospital walls, it’s a war against the silence that surrounds it, the stigma that keeps it hidden, and the ignorance that costs lives. We must break through these barriers, challenge the cultural taboos, and empower every individual to seek early detection because too many lives are hanging in the balance,’ emphasized Prof. Dr. Abbas Zafar, Acting Vice Chancellor of Ziauddin University.
He addressed this issue during the 23rd interactive series of ZU Dialogues, titled ‘Fight Against Breast Cancer: Early Detection, Saves Lives’, organized by the PR and Communications department of Ziauddin University.
The purpose of this impactful session was to raise awareness about breast cancer, direct society’s attention toward the gravity of this issue, and emphasize the critical role of early screening and detection in saving lives.
While highlighting the critical importance of early detection and reiterating the responsibility of healthcare professionals and society to spread awareness about breast cancer, Dr. Abbas Zafar said ‘Each of us has a responsibility to spread this message, especially in communities where breast cancer is still considered taboo.’
During the session personal experiences from survivors gave a powerful human dimension to the discussion, highlighting the importance of taking action early.
Sima Kamil, Former Deputy Governor, State Bank of Pakistan, and a female breast cancer survivor, spoke candidly about the societal pressures that keep women from openly discussing their health. ‘Even today, many women hesitate to talk about breast cancer, let alone seek early screening. They feel constrained by societal pressures, the stigma attached to the disease, and often by the lack of financial resources to afford regular checkups. This reluctance to address breast cancer openly is more harmful than the disease itself.’
‘Cultural stigma still plays a large role in preventing many women from seeking early medical help, particularly in conservative societies. By encouraging women to speak up and seek help, we can save more lives. It’s crucial to make breast health a conversation we aren’t afraid to have,’ she further added.
Dr. Faizullah Abbasi, former vice chancellor of Dawood University of Engineering and Technology, and a male survivor of breast cancer, shared his journey with the audience, saying, ‘You know your body better than anyone else, so never ignore the signs. When I felt something wasn’t right, I didn’t delay getting checked, and that made all the difference. Cancer didn’t stop me from continuing my work or leading a full life, but only because I didn’t let fear or hesitation delay my treatment. Early detection is the key to survival, and everyone, regardless of gender, should prioritize their health.’
‘Cultural modesty remains a significant barrier to women seeking essential breast screenings, many welleducated women hesitate to undergo mammograms due to fear of exposure,’ said Dr. Nida Wahid Bashir, Consultant Breast and General Surgeon.
She said that cultural norms often prevent women from coming forward for mammograms, even when they know it could save their lives. We must foster an environment where women feel safe and empowered to prioritize their health without fear of judgment.
Giving her opinion on how lifestyle choices significantly impact breast cancer risk, Amina Mujib Khan, Clinical Nutritionist, emphasized that, ‘A healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet are the foundations of disease prevention, including breast cancer. By making informed dietary choices and staying active, we reduce the likelihood of developing breast cancer and ensure better overall health.’
Dr. Quratulain Badar, Assistant Professor and Consultant Radiation Oncologist, highlighted the importance of starting early with breast selfexaminations and regular screenings, while Dr. Afshan Shaikh, Assistant Professor and Women Imaging Specialist, stressed recognizing symptoms like asymmetry and discharge for timely intervention.
Moderating the 23d ZU Dialogues, Dr. Adnan A. Jabbar, Professor and Chairman of the Oncology Department, Dr, Ziauddin Hospital said that breast cancer is a battle that we can win, but only if we take the necessary steps to catch it early. We need to ensure that no woman or man feels isolated by this disease or the stigma surrounding it.
Earlier, in her welcome address, Prof. Dr. Nida Hussain, ProChancellor of Ziauddin University, focused on the urgency of raising awareness about breast cancer and said ‘For too long, breast cancer has been shrouded in silence, with too many women suffering in isolation. This silence is deadly. We must work together to dismantle the cultural barriers that prevent early detection and treatment.’
The event brought together healthcare professionals, survivors, and advocates to discuss the importance of early detection, screenings, and public awareness in combating this lifethreatening disease. The event sought to break the taboos surrounding breast cancer and emphasize the need for open conversations to encourage timely medical intervention, early detection and screening.