SUKKUR:The Pir Abdul Qadir Shah Jeelani Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS), Gambat on Thursday organized a Breast Cancer Awareness Walk on its premises with the theme “Early Detection, Better Protection” to raise awareness about prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
The walk was led by Director GIMS Prof. Dr. Raheem Bux Bhatti and Head of the Cancer Ward Dr. Sibtain Shah.
Faculty members including Dr. Saleh, Dr. Junaid Mahesar, Dr. Hussain Palh, Sajjad Khuhro and a large number of students of GIMS Medical College participated in the walk.
Participants carried banners and placards highlighting the importance of self examination, timely screening and early treatment. Female students of the medical college took an active part in the drive, carrying handmade posters with slogans such as “Stronger Together – Early Detection Saves Lives” and “Check Yourself, Protect Yourself”.
Speaking on the occasion, Director GIMS Prof. Dr. Raheem Bux Bhatti said that breast cancer cases were increasing at an alarming rate in Sindh, particularly in rural areas, due to lack of awareness and delayed diagnosis.
Awareness is the first step towards a cure. There is a severe lack of specialized cancer facilities and awareness programs. From Karachi to Sukkur, GIMS is the largest institute providing specialized cancer care in the region, he said.
Dr. Bhatti announced that GIMS has launched a comprehensive community outreach program under which a mobile health unit will visit villages to provide free examination, screening and counselling to women.
“If we remain silent, our mothers and sisters will continue to suffer. Our objective is to prevent cancer, ensure early diagnosis and provide complete treatment to eradicate it from the root,” he added.
Later, an interactive awareness session was held at the conference hall of the institute where medical experts briefed the students and participants about risk factors, symptoms, self-examination techniques and free screening and treatment facilities available at GIMS Gambat.
The speakers stressed that early diagnosis can save thousands of lives and urged women not to ignore early symptoms and to get regular medical check ups.