Pakistani PM calls for stronger national response to fight breast cancer

ISLAMABAD, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday called for stronger national efforts to raise awareness, ensure early diagnosis, and improve treatment of breast cancer, urging joint government and community action to curb the disease's growing impact.

In his message on the World Breast Cancer Awareness Day, observed globally on Oct. 19, the prime minister said the month of October provides an opportunity to reaffirm national commitment to the prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer, one of the fastest-spreading diseases worldwide.

He said early diagnosis significantly increases recovery prospects, but late detection remains a major challenge in Pakistan. "It is very important to recognize this situation at the national level and adopt government measures and preventive steps at the public level to address it," he emphasized.

The prime minister underscored the need for greater awareness, particularly in rural areas, encouraging women to seek medical advice promptly instead of hiding the disease. He said that while awareness levels in urban areas have improved in recent years, there is an urgent need to strengthen awareness campaigns in rural communities.

Sharif said the Ministry of National Health Services is working through Lady Health Workers and other local medical staff at community and regional levels to promote early diagnosis, treatment, and timely contact with doctors.

He urged joint efforts to ensure that awareness of breast cancer reaches every household and every woman, both in urban and rural areas, enabling early diagnosis and treatment to defeat the disease and save lives. ■