KARACHI: Despite the fact that Pakistan accounts for 40,000 breast cancer induced deaths annually, striking across the economic strata, it largely remains a taboo subject to be discussed on public forums.
Doctors talking to APP Monday regretted that in our context reproductive health and procreative behavior, that are fundamental aspects of life, are given little or no attention in public policy discussions because of culture, taboos and wide range sensitivities.
"Open discussion about breast cancer can lead to increased awareness as the goal is to catch cancer early," said Dr. Aminah Khan.
She said awareness, self-examination and the availability to see a doctor if a woman feels a breast lump is key, especially in rural areas where women traditionally do not draw attention to their disease, as not to burden their family's limited means.
In the given situation she said there was need to deploy trained female community midwives and lady health workers who go door-to-door educating women about their health for all ages and stages.
Dr. Shirin Khan, a senior physician said equal attention was needed to cater to the needs of women living in urban slums and lower income sections settled in urban centers.
The inhabitants, particularly women and girls, of the mentioned areas alongwith their rural counterparts needed to be educated.
The doctors also sought empowering under-served women, vulnerable populations, adolescent girls and youth, so that they can fully understand and capitalize on their reproductive health options.
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