October is globally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to spread awareness about the disease, encourage early detection, and support patients and survivors. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women worldwide, and despite medical advances, it continues to claim hundreds of thousands of lives each year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, and nearly 670,000 women died from it. These numbers highlight a troubling global trend—cases of breast cancer have more than doubled since 1990, with the burden increasingly shifting toward developing countries, where access to screening and treatment remains limited.
Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the breast grow uncontrollably and form a tumor that can spread to other parts of the body. Several factors increase the risk of developing breast cancer, including being female, advancing age, family history (especially mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes), early menstruation, late menopause, obesity, alcohol use, and lack of physical activity. However, about half of breast cancer cases occur in women who have no known risk factors apart from age and gender, underscoring the importance of regular screening and awareness for all women.
Recognizing the symptoms early can save lives. Common warning signs include a lump or thickening in the breast or underarm, changes in breast size or shape, dimpling or puckering of the skin, nipple discharge (other than breast milk), redness or crusting of the skin or nipple, and persistent pain in the breast. In many cases, early-stage breast cancer has no symptoms, which is why screening through mammography or clinical breast exams is vital for early detection and successful treatment.
Diagnosis typically involves imaging tests such as mammograms, ultrasounds, or MRIs, followed by a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancer cells. Once diagnosed, treatment depends on the stage and type of cancer. The main treatments include surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and targeted therapy (such as trastuzumab for HER2-positive cancers). Advances in medical treatment have improved survival rates dramatically, with early-stage breast cancers now having a five-year survival rate of over 80–90% in many countries. Unfortunately, survival rates in low-income countries are much lower due to late diagnosis and limited treatment facilities.
In Pakistan, breast cancer has become a national health crisis. It has the highest incidence rate in Asia, and an estimated one in nine Pakistani women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. Each year, about 90,000 new cases are reported, and around 40,000 women die from the disease, according to Pink Ribbon Pakistan. The National Cancer Registry also identifies breast cancer as the most common cancer among women in the country. Sadly, the majority of Pakistani women are diagnosed at advanced stages (Stage III or IV) when treatment is more difficult, and survival chances are lower. This is due to a combination of low awareness, cultural stigma, limited access to screening facilities, and financial constraints that prevent timely medical care.
Pakistan’s healthcare system faces serious challenges in cancer management. There are few specialized oncology centers, limited access to mammography and pathology labs, and a shortage of trained oncologists, particularly in rural areas. Additionally, many women hesitate to discuss breast health due to social taboos and embarrassment, delaying diagnosis. The lack of nationwide cancer registries also makes it difficult to assess the full extent of the problem. Moreover, the cost of cancer care is unaffordable for many families, resulting in delayed or incomplete treatment, which directly contributes to higher mortality rates.
Despite these challenges, progress is possible through awareness, education, and early detection. Public campaigns that promote breast self-examination (BSE) and regular clinical check-ups can empower women to take charge of their health. It is equally important to involve men and families in awareness efforts, as cultural support can make early intervention more likely. The government and NGOs should invest in expanding screening facilities, mobile mammography units, and subsidized treatment programs. Building cancer registries, improving medical training, and integrating breast cancer care into public health strategies are essential steps forward.
Breast cancer is not just a medical condition—it is a societal issue that affects entire families. Early detection saves lives, and awareness is the key to early detection. As Pakistan observes Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the message must be clear: no woman should die from a disease that is treatable and often curable when caught early. Communities, policymakers, healthcare providers, and individuals must come together to break the silence, remove the stigma, and ensure that every woman has access to timely diagnosis and effective treatment. Together, we can turn awareness into action and hope into survival.
International Relations Scholar interested in National Security strategies, with a good focus on Geo-Politics, Foreign Policy, and Public & Cultural Diplomacy.
