Punjab Chief Minister(CM),Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Monday stressed the importance of breast cancer awareness, prevention and timely diagnosis,saying that early detection of the disease could significantly improve treatment outcomes. In her message on World Breast Cancer Awareness Day,she said that breast cancer was a treatable disease and women should not ignore unusual physical changes and seek timely medical examinations. On the chief minister’s directions,special measures were being taken at every hospital to raise awareness about breast cancer and encourage early diagnosis.

CM Maryam Nawaz said the provincial government was building the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research in Lahore which would provide treatment for various types of cancer,including breast cancer at all stages. She said modern machinery and medicines would be provided at the hospital to facilitate timely diagnosis and treatment while a state-of-the-art laboratory would also be established to support cancer research. The facility would also have a psychiatry department to provide psychological and emotional support to cancer patients during treatment, she added.

The CM said the Punjab government was providing free cancer treatment worth up to Rs.1 million to eligible patients. She added that the collection of reliable data on breast cancer patients would help improve treatment facilities and healthcare planning. She said Lady Health Inspectors across Punjab were playing an important role in collecting data to facilitate the timely diagnosis of breast cancer. CM Maryam Nawaz urged women to remain vigilant about unusual physical changes and seek medical advice without delay. She said raising awareness about breast cancer and encouraging early diagnosis was a shared social responsibility. She said the government was committed to providing women across Punjab with improved cancer diagnosis and treatment facilities.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)