LAHORE: The Central Research Lab of Post-graduate Medical Institute at the Lahore General Hospital (LGH) has achieved a significant milestone in the field of medicine with the successful implementation of the BRCA-1 test for breast cancer diagnosis.
The LGH has now become the first public sector hospital in Pakistan to offer advanced breast cancer diagnosis and genetic identification testing using state-of-the-art facilities and imported kits. Patients have already begun to benefit from this groundbreaking advancement.
The achievement was announced by Principal of Ameer-Uddin Medical College Professor Dr. Al-Fareed Zafar, during a press briefing on Saturday. He commended the efforts of Dr. Ghazala Rubi, Director of the Central Research Lab, and her team for their dedication in launching the advanced BRCA-1 test. He emphasised that the test was particularly beneficial for women with a family history of breast cancer or those genetically predisposed to the disease. The BRCA-1 test identifies genetic markers t
hat indicate the likelihood of developing breast cancer by comparing normal genes with affected ones, covering a panel of seven types of genes.
He highlighted the growing incidence of breast cancer in Pakistan, exacerbated by cultural and religious tendencies that make women reluctant to discuss their symptoms openly. This often leads to late-stage diagnoses, making treatment more difficult and, at times, ineffective. He urged women to seek medical advice promptly if they experience any symptoms, such as pain or lumps, as early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. He also noted that mammography tests are available in all teaching hospitals, and timely diagnosis is crucial for successful treatment.
The press briefing was also attended by Director Central Research Lab Dr. Ghazala Rubi, MS. Dr. Frayad Hussain, Dr. Laila Shafiq, Dr. Abdul Aziz, and other administrative doctors.