Karachi: Pakistan bears highest burden of breast cancer in Asia with highest number of deaths because of delayed diagnosis. Lack of awareness and access along with psychosocial barriers and taboos of society are major contributors to this delay.

Literature promotes screening-doing self-breast examination, annual clinical examination and regular mammogram for early detection and prompt treatment of breast cancer. World Health Organisation also promotes early diagnosis as real answer to problem. Screening clinics and camps facilitate process of early diagnosis by providing ease of access.  Dr. Ziauddin Hospital has been contributing to cause by holding annual free consultation and screening clinics for high-risk patients at its three campuses for past several years. To ensure standardised screening and evaluation, mammogram and ultrasound are offered at reduced rates (50 percent and 30 percent respectively). At Clifton Campus, we have also ensured free of cost follow up with results of these investigations in our routine clinics.

It is encouraging to note spectrum of women attending these free clinics at Dr. Ziauddin Hospital, Clifton Campus. It ranges from women from nearby Shireen Jinnah Colony and other similar areas of city to lawyers, teachers, journalists, affluent housewives, fitness trainers, fashion designers and other professionals living in vicinity of Hospital.  Women from far flung areas and peripheries of Karachi also registered for these clinics. This effort of ours is also recognised by officials Samina Alvi’s team as a impactful breast cancer awareness campaign.

There is decent number of women, especially those with positive family history, who have been attending these clinics for three consecutive years and consider it a good option for regular screening. Some of women, who were symptomatic but did not show themselves to any doctor just out of shyness, found our clinics a good opportunity to get themselves evaluated without fear of being stigmatised or exposed.  Our Clinic team involves volunteers from family medicine department, house officers and residents of General Surgery, nurses, OPD receptionist and unit receptionist lead by Consultant Breast and General Surgeon.

This all-female group of healthcare providers has been able to provide a secluded area for evaluation with complete care of privacy and confidentiality. This team is augmented by female radiologist trained in breast imaging along with trained radiographers and technicians. Our female oncologist has been with us all through these many years providing moral support by her presence in all preparatory meetings.

These clinics are made possible only with a very strong support by marketing department, outpatient department managers and hospital administration. Recognition and acceptance of free Breast Clinics for screening and evaluation of high-risk women among local population is clear indication that designated regular screening clinics in all major hospitals and districts of city are need of hour for Pakistan.

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 31 2022

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