KARACHI: First lady Begum Samina Alvi has supported a breast cancer awareness campaign to increase availability and access to affordable, quality healthcare and informed choices for women through family planning.
A non-profit organisation Greenstar Social Marketing (GSM) recently collaborated with the popular group of cycling enthusiasts named ‘The Cycologists’ to sponsor a cycling ride aimed at creating public awareness about breast cancer.
The first lady of Pakistan, Begum Samina Alvi, is graciously supporting this cause by leading the GSM awareness campaign, to consistently increase awareness, availability, and access to affordable, quality healthcare and informed choice for women through family planning.
The masses need to be cautious because, Pakistan suffers from the highest incidence of breast cancer in Asia, as 1 out of every 9 women in the country is at risk of this deadly, but preventable, disease. Among all the types of cancers prevailing in Pakistan, breast cancer has the highest ratio of incidence in the country.GSM arranged this ride to highlight awareness of breast self-examination for early detection of breast cancer, which can save the lives of many women in Pakistan.
Women are encouraged to actively examine themselves every month as early diagnosis is key to cure breast cancer. As the largest private sector provider of family planning, GSM is providing over 53 percent of all contraceptives distributed by the private sector in Pakistan. October is celebrated annually, as the ‘Breast Cancer Awareness Month’, across the globe, as all the relevant health organizations and social wellbeing institutions highlight this ailment as a serious health concern for women in all segments.
Many informative events are held to highlight the low CPR & fertility rates, and the rise in induced abortions to finish unwanted pregnancies. Other issues are also discussed, like; too many miscarriages and 9,700 maternal deaths (10 to 12% annually), due to unsafe settings.
The CEO of GSM, Dr. Syed Azizur Rab said, “Greenstar’s long term mission is to reduce the mortality rate of breast cancer, through early detection and more awareness. Crucial Maternal and Child Health is now a focal part of our national healthcare agenda. This has encouraged Greenstar Social Marketing to ensure regular follow up, advocacy, and coordination at the Provincial and Federal levels.”
