ISLAMABAD: After recently being diagnosed with breast cancer, former National Assembly speaker Dr Fehmida Mirza announced joining the Pink Ribbon movement to become the beacon of hope for breast cancer survivors in the country.
Breaking the social taboo associated with breast cancer, Dr Fehmida who is a well-known public figure has shown courage to stand upfront and share her story.
Dr Fehmida said that breast cancer is one of the many forms of cancers so it should be seen as a disease rather than associating it with the sexuality of women. She said it is important to aware Pakistani women on early detection of the disease.
She said our women should know that life after cancer is worth living. During her speech, she shared her experience and encouraged other women to support the cause. “I wholeheartedly support the efforts for the vital work of spreading awareness and engaging survivorship undertaken by Pink Ribbon Campaign,” Dr Fehmida said.
Speaking at the ceremony, campaign CEO Omer Aftab said that Pakistan has the highest rate of breast cancer in whole of Asia. “We are glad that for the first time a renowned and influential female politician has come upfront to support the movement,” he said.
He added that they need support from all sections of society to address the alarming rises in cases of breast cancer. “We look forward to engage breast cancer survivors in our campaign as their message can save many women who are at risk of facing the disease,” he said.
The Pink Ribbon is a nationwide breast cancer awareness campaign. Currently, it is spreading awareness through information and material nationwide.
It also sensitises the girls and women by arranging various events and activities to create direct interaction.
The movement also organises medical camps for advice and clinical checkup in collaboration with partner hospitals. The campaign intends to establish ‘Centre of Excellence for Breast Cancer’ to provide adequate facility to the people at large.
