A survivor’s courage, a doctor’s reassuring words and a powerful reminder that awareness can save lives marked a breast cancer awareness seminar at DHA Creek Club.

KARACHI: Sometimes, a simple conversation can encourage someone to take a step that could change their life. A reminder to pay attention to one’s health, the courage to speak openly about a difficult journey, or the reassurance that a diagnosis is not the end of hope can make all the difference.

With this message at its heart, DHA Karachi organised a breast cancer awareness seminar at DHA Creek Club, bringing together medical expertise and personal experiences to encourage women to prioritise their health, recognise unusual changes and seek timely medical advice.

The need for greater awareness is underscored by figures from the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer. According to its GLOBOCAN 2022 estimates, approximately 30,682 women in Pakistan were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, making it the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the country. Globally, around 2.3 million women were diagnosed with the disease in the same year, highlighting the importance of accessible information, timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr Nida Wahid, Surgeon, urged women not to let fear prevent them from seeking medical advice. She emphasised that noticing an unusual change should prompt a medical consultation rather than panic or the assumption that the worst has happened.

Her message was one of reassurance and empowerment: women should become familiar with their bodies, remain attentive to changes and seek professional guidance without delay. When breast cancer is detected early, treatment is generally more successful, and the chances of survival improve considerably.

Dr Wahid encouraged women to replace silence and apprehension with awareness, reminding them that seeking help is an act of courage and self-care.

Adding an important perspective on the value of preventive healthcare, Dr Zareen Gohar, CMO, DHA Medical Centre, highlighted the importance of self-examination and continued awareness initiatives.

Sharing a particularly encouraging example, Dr Gohar recalled an earlier awareness camp and free screening initiative during which some DHA Karachi employees noticed abnormalities and underwent further medical evaluation. Since the concerns were identified early, they were able to begin treatment promptly and are now doing better.

Wishing them a speedy and complete recovery, she reiterated the importance of remaining vigilant about one’s health and ensuring that awareness translates into timely action. Their experience served as a powerful reminder that health initiatives can have a meaningful impact beyond the seminar room, encouraging individuals to seek help when it matters most.

The most moving message came from Erum Farooq, a breast cancer survivor who is now in remission. Sharing her personal journey, she urged women not to neglect their health or postpone medical consultations out of fear.

Her experience brought a deeply human dimension to the discussion, reminding participants that behind every diagnosis is a person, a family and a journey that calls for compassion, courage and support. She encouraged women to examine themselves regularly, remain alert to changes and understand that early detection can make a life-saving difference.

Participants also appreciated DHA Karachi’s efforts to promote health awareness, stressing that the responsibility of encouraging timely medical attention extends beyond women themselves. Families, too, can play an important role by supporting open conversations, helping loved ones overcome hesitation and encouraging them to seek professional advice when needed.

The seminar reinforced a message that deserves to be heard far beyond the walls of the Creek Club: there is no need to face uncertainty alone, and fear should never stand in the way of seeking help.

Through continued awareness initiatives, DHA Karachi seeks to encourage a culture in which women feel informed, supported and confident about taking charge of their health.

Because sometimes, the most important step is also the simplest — paying attention, asking questions and seeking help in time.

Early Detection Saves Lives.