The breast cancer in the country is increasing as 1 out of 9 females in the country is at risk of the disease.

It was stated at an awareness walk and seminar held on breast cancer arranged by Institute of Home Economics, Food Nutrition and Home Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad at Admin Block. The participants were raising the placards inscribed with slogans about the awareness of the disease. Addressing on the occasion, UAF Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Ashraf said that women in the developing countries, including Pakistan tend to die at a high rates compared to developed countries due to the detection of disease at its advance stages. He said only five minutes were required for the self-assessment about the disease. He showed his concern that in our society, women seem reluctant to go to hospital for screenings and checkup or discuss cancer even within their family. He said the steps are needed to end the said taboo from the society Dean Faculty of Food Sciences Prof Dr Masood Sadiq Butt said that if cancer was detected at early stages, chances of survival increases manifold. He said that young women are more frequently reporting with the cancer in Pakistan. He said that balanced diet help reduce the risk of breast cancer. He said that the breast cancer is becoming the leading cause of cancer deaths. Faisalabad Medical University Associate Professor Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Dr Humera Arshad said that education and information can play a vital role in decreasing the outbreak of decrease. She called for giving special attention to the issue to control its spread in the country. She called for making the proper check-up for prevention and the early treatment of the disease. She urged the participators to conduct breast mammography in every year and self-assessment after every month. Incharge Home Economics Dr Ayesha Riaz said that social taboos and myths are the hindrance in early detection, which impedes diagnosis and treatment. She said better education/awareness of the disease and a healthy diet can help reduce risk of breast cancer. She called for self-examine and arrange a checkup every year to avoid the risk. Kiran Khalid said the women who eat the higher levels of the saturated fats have the double the risk of breast cancer compared to those eating the least.