President Zardari calls for raising awareness about breast cancer

President Asif Ali Zardari commended the healthcare professionals, volunteers, patient organisations, researchers and community workers who continue to contribute to breast cancer awareness and support. In a message on the occasion of Breast Cancer Awareness Day (19 October 2026), he said, 'The efforts of doctors are important in strengthening public understanding and supporting women and their families.' He said, 'I extend my greetings and best wishes to all those affected by breast cancer, particularly women living with the disease, their families and caregivers, as well as the healthcare professionals working to support them.' 'Breast cancer affects thousands of families in Pakistan. Its consequences extend beyond the individual, affecting mothers, daughters, sisters and spouses and placing emotional and social pressures on families. This makes greater awareness, timely medical attention and support for those affected essential,' he added. He said, 'This day provides an opportunity to remind women of the importance of paying attention to their health and seeking appropriate medical advice when they notice changes or have concerns. Greater awareness can help women make informed decisions about their health and encourage timely engagement with healthcare professionals.' 'Families and communities also have an important role to play. Women should feel able to discuss their health concerns openly and seek care without fear or hesitation. Understanding and support from family members can help reduce the fear, misinformation and silence that may surround cancer,' he remarked. The President said, 'We must continue to promote greater understanding of the factors that influence cancer risk and encourage healthy lifestyles. Schools, workplaces, community organisations, the media, civil society and healthcare professionals can all contribute to ensuring that accurate information reaches women and families across the country.' He said, 'We must also extend compassion and support to women living with breast cancer and those who have completed treatment. They should receive the emotional, social and family support they need throughout their journey. Their strength in facing the challenges associated with the disease deserves our respect and understanding.' 'On this Breast Cancer Awareness Day, let us work towards a society where women are encouraged to prioritise their health, families stand beside them and those affected by breast cancer receive the support and care they need,' he concluded. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said the federal government was striving to ensure the availability of essential healthcare services, including specialised cancer treatment facilities, throughout the country in collaboration with provincial governments and relevant institutions at the local level.In a message on Breast Cancer Awareness Day observed on 19 October, he said, 'Today, on Breast Cancer Awareness Day, Pakistan joins the international community in raising a strong and collective voice to address the serious health challenges facing women, particularly breast cancer.' He said, 'Breast cancer awareness, early detection, timely treatment and continued care are matters of profound concern for every nation that values the health and lives of its daughters, mothers and sisters.' He said, 'As part of our concerted efforts to raise awareness about breast cancer, a comprehensive strategy has been developed to promote early detection, ensure timely medical examinations, facilitate access to quality treatment and provide continuity of care across the country.' He said, 'Public awareness, a supportive environment and ease of access to healthcare are crucial to ensuring that women receive the medical attention they need without delay.' 'Women living in rural and underprivileged areas, where access to healthcare facilities is often limited, deserve particular attention.' He said, 'The government is firmly committed to ensuring that no Pakistani woman is deprived of timely and quality treatment because of her geographical location or financial circumstances.' He said, 'The tireless efforts and dedicated services of Lady Health Workers in remote areas are instrumental in extending healthcare services to women. Their invaluable contributions deserve our deepest appreciation and recognition.' 'As part of our breast cancer awareness initiatives, particular emphasis has been placed on training Lady Health Workers to educate women about breast self-examination, the recognition of symptoms, the importance of seeking timely medical advice and the need to consult appropriate healthcare facilities without delay,' he remarked. He said, 'Furthermore, healthcare personnel at urban and rural primary healthcare centres are receiving specialised training to strengthen their capacity for the early detection of breast cancer.' 'The Federal Breast Cancer Screening Centre established at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) is providing free screening, diagnostic services and medicines, while ensuring the timely referral of suspected cases for further medical evaluation and treatment.' 'The Government is also taking steps, through public health and social protection programmes and in collaboration with private organisations, to expand access to breast cancer screening. Efforts are simultaneously under way to strengthen coordination and cooperation among healthcare institutions and relevant stakeholders.' 'Breast cancer is a devastating disease that can profoundly affect the social and psychological well-being of patients and their families. A supportive environment, a compassionate approach, and due consideration of patients' needs must remain central to our collective response to this disease,' he noted. The prime minister said, 'My message to every daughter of Pakistan is your health is a priority for the entire nation. If you have any concerns about your health, please seek medical advice without delay. Healthy mothers are the foundation of healthy families and a brighter future for our nation.' He urged families, communities, the media, religious leaders, educational institutions, civil society and medical professionals to play their part in breaking the silence and overcoming the hesitation and stigma associated with breast cancer, and to encourage women to seek timely medical examinations and treatment. He said, 'Let us ensure that the message of awareness reaches every household and that women are equipped with the knowledge, confidence and courage to seek medical assistance without fear, hesitation or apprehension about social attitudes. My Government reaffirms its commitment to the daughters of Pakistan that we will continue to take every possible measure to protect their health and improve their access to timely, affordable and quality healthcare.