Pakistan is a developing country in South Asia with the highest incidence of breast cancer. One in nine women is at risk of being diagnosed with the widespread disease during their lifetime. Out of the 90,000 cases, nearly 40,000 women lose their lives to breast cancer annually. Although uncommon, the illness also occurs in men.

The Cause

The risk of developing breast cancer in women is readily associated with oral contraceptives, marital status, menopausal status, and breastfeeding. However, other causes of breast-related diseases include body mass index, age, smoking, parity, and physical activity.

Pakistani women suffer at the hands of breast cancer due to the lack of knowledge, the stigma surrounding the subject, and limited healthcare facilities. According to a recent study, 40.7 percent of women in Pakistan waste their time seeking alternative medicine. About 17.1 percent are known to ignore painless lumps, while 10.6 percent consult doctors later than intended because they consider the breast a secret organ.

PINKtober at Canvas Digital

This year, Canvas Digital took it upon itself to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month. On 19^th October, Dr. Subul Rashid conducted an informative session to counter fears and barriers of breast diseases. As an oncologist, she briefed the men and women of our organization to take early preventive actions. Not only did she elaborate on self-diagnosis methods, but she also suggested modes of treatment available within Pakistan.