Islamabad: First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari has called for united action by government institutions, health professionals, media, and communities to raise awareness and combat breast cancer, the most common cancer among women in Pakistan and the highest in prevalence in Asia. She made these remarks during a meeting with the founder and honorary CEO of Pink Ribbon Pakistan, Omer Aftab, in Islamabad.

According to Radio Pakistan, the First Lady highlighted that one in every nine Pakistani women is at risk and warned that delayed detection claims thousands of lives annually. She noted that survival rates exceed ninety percent when the disease is diagnosed early, emphasizing that “every woman, regardless of where she lives, must have access to timely screening, diagnosis, and treatment.”

She emphasized making women’s health a national priority, with targeted efforts on prevention, early detection, and treatment. Aseefa Bhutto Zardari called for expanding breast cancer facilities to underserved rural areas, breaking cultural taboos that delay consultations, and promoting mobile mammography units, community outreach, and male family involvement to overcome stigma.

The First Lady urged all stakeholders including the media, educators, and religious leaders to spearhead a nationwide awareness drive, encouraging early detection and timely medical intervention. Commending Pink Ribbon Pakistan for its awareness and screening initiatives, she lauded its efforts to establish the country’s first dedicated Breast Cancer Hospital.