25% of Breast Cancer Patients Abandon Treatment Due to Costs :

News Desk

KARACHI: Medical experts have raised alarms regarding the alarming trend of breast cancer patients in Pakistan, revealing that 25% of them abandon their treatment due to financial constraints.

The situation is exacerbated by the fact that over 60% of patients arrive at hospitals at advanced stages of the disease, significantly reducing their chances of survival.

According to oncologists, the high cost of medications, coupled with societal pressures and stigma, plays a crucial role in patients’ decisions to discontinue their treatment.

These findings were presented during a recent seminar focused on breast cancer awareness and treatment options, where specialists emphasized the urgent need for improved healthcare access and financial support for patients.

This trend poses serious implications for public health in Pakistan, where cancer rates are rising.

The abandonment of treatment not only affects individual patients but also places a greater burden on the healthcare system, leading to increased mortality rates and higher long-term costs for society.

Experts are calling for immediate action to address these barriers and improve patient outcomes.

In response to these challenges, healthcare authorities are expected to convene a series of meetings aimed at developing strategies to enhance access to affordable cancer treatment.

Initiatives may include subsidizing medication costs and increasing public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma associated with cancer.