Rural Women Advised to Shun Quacks, Embrace Early Breast Screening
News Desk
Islamabad: Leading cancer specialists and oncologists have issued a critical warning to rural women, urging them to avoid unqualified practitioners, or quacks, and instead prioritize yearly screenings to combat the rising incidence of breast cancer.
They emphasized that early detection through regular screenings is vital for saving lives.
In recognition of October as ‘Breast Cancer Awareness Month,’ the experts highlighted the essential role of early diagnosis in combating the disease, noting that reliance on quacks in rural areas exacerbates the issue. There is an urgent need for breast health awareness campaigns to educate the public.
Dr Feroz Khan Achakzai, a senior cancer specialist and oncologist, warned that quackery poses a significant obstacle in the fight against breast cancer, as unqualified practitioners often misdiagnose conditions and provide ineffective, potentially harmful treatments, which diminish chances of survival.
According to oncologists, breast cancer accounts for 40 percent of female cancer cases in Pakistan. The lack of awareness and access to quality healthcare in rural regions further complicates the problem.
Dr Achakzai noted that mammography and self-examination can help identify breast cancer in its early stages when treatment is most effective.
Dr Jameela, another oncologist, emphasized that rural women must understand that breast cancer is treatable if diagnosed promptly. “We need to break the stigma surrounding the disease and encourage women to seek proper medical care,” she added.
The World Health Organization reports that one in nine Pakistani women develops breast cancer each year, highlighting that early detection can increase survival rates by 90 percent.
Dr Jameela urged society to support and promote breast cancer awareness in both urban and rural areas, where many women still rely on quack practices and delay seeking timely treatment.
“By working together, we can save thousands of lives,” the experts concluded. “It is time for rural women to prioritize their health and seek quality care.”
