Trade Chronicle Sep - Oct - 2020 issue

TRADE CHRONICLE
We begin with the name of Allah the Magnificient
Breast cancer awareness in Pakistan
The Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) began in 1985 as a partnership between the
American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries.
It is an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities
every October to increase the awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into
its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. This campaign starts on October 1 and
ends on October 31 every year.
Pakistan too, observes this month on the patronage of federal and provincial governments
with the support of doctors, philanthropists, civil society, military institutions, hospitals,
schools, universities and NGOs to create the maximum awareness about breast cancer.
A variety of events held in October, including walks and runs, and the pink illumination of
landmark buildings.
It is heartening to note that with every passing year, there is an increase in activity during
October in Pakistan as well and the cause has found a new champion, Begum Samina Arif
Alvi, the first lady of Pakistan, who is working tirelessly to create awareness and action on
breast cancer, her efforts are commendable.
From
the
editor’s
desk
According to studies, over 1.3 million patients are diagnosed with breast cancer globally
every year. Unfortunately, the mortality rate for the disease in the world is around 3 to 4 %.
In contrast, the mortality rate in Pakistan is almost 45 %, which is indeed an alarming rate
and requires the attention of all segment of the society. Experts say, if the breast cancer
symptoms are identified in the early stage, it can be cured and the chance of survival could
be 95%. Thus, the mortality rate can be reduced through educating women in the country to
remain alert about the first signs of the disease and if so, immediately starts of treatment.
A point of concern is that Pakistan has the highest prevalence of breast cancer among Asian
countries, with an estimated 90,000 new cases emerging annually. One in every nine women
in Pakistan have a life-time risk of having breast cancer, and a 2019 study found that large
increases in breast cancer are expected for women in the 50-64 years’ age bracket.
ABDUL RAB SIDDIQI
Although it is difficult to pinpoint the exact causes of breast cancer, experts have identified
various risk factors that contribute to the likelihood of developing breast cancer, including
age, reproductive health history, hereditary and lifestyle factors. Whereas, breast cancer
treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy,
holistic medicine and targeted therapy – a costly and lengthy treatment procedure followed
by regular checkup and tests.
The most effective targeted treatment for breast cancer is Herceptin (Trastuzumab) sold
at Rs130,000 per injection. It is good that some NGOs provide some injection-free of cost
to patients. Its value may be brought down if manufactured locally with the import of raw
materials from India.
Last but not least, Karachi Institute of Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine (KIRAN), one
of 18 cancer hospitals in the country, being run by Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission,
specializes in diagnosis and treatment of cancer is playing an essential role in the
fight against the breast cancer. Pakistan Baitul Mal, Patient Welfare Societies and other
philanthropists are very active in helping out the patients in these hospitals. Besides, Pink
Ribbon Pakistan is rendering the services relentlessly.
We hope that the government would invest in strengthening the primary healthcare system
while keeping up a consistent awareness campaign to be able to effect change in the
prevalence and morbidity of breast cancer. There is a need to set up more dedicated Breast
Cancer Hospital where deserving patients will get free of cost treatment under one roof. We
would urge women to take breast cancer seriously, learn self-examination and don’t feel
ashamed to discuss it with mother and doctors.
TRADE CHRONICLE - Sep - Oct - 2020 - Page # 4