University of Chenab, Punjab University and NFEH host breast cancer awareness seminars

What happened

Several educational and health organizations held events to promote breast cancer awareness during the Pink October campaign:

• The University of Chenab in Gujrat organized a seminar and an awareness walk to highlight the importance of prevention and early detection [1].
• On Monday, October 19, 2026, Punjab University held a seminar at the Al Raazi Hall in Lahore in collaboration with Pink Ribbon Pakistan [3].
• The National Forum for Environment & Health (NFEH) organized a Pink October awareness seminar in Karachi [2].

At the Punjab University event, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali stated that breast cancer is treatable through self-care, a balanced diet, and a simple lifestyle [3]. He encouraged students to act as ambassadors to spread awareness in their communities [3]. Umar Aftab, CEO of Pink Ribbon Pakistan, noted that approximately 40 percent of cancers could be prevented through lifestyle changes [3]. DG PEMRA Ayesha Manzoor Wattoo emphasized that awareness must reach women in rural areas as well as cities [3].

During the NFEH seminar in Karachi, senior oncologist Dr. Rufina Soomro stated that breast cancer accounts for up to 35 percent of all cancers among women in Pakistan, with one in eight to nine women facing a lifetime risk [2]. She explained that mammography is a specialized X-ray that can identify abnormalities before they are clinically apparent and has no lasting adverse effects [2]. Dr. Soomro noted that timely mammograms can detect cancer an average of two years earlier, increasing the chances of effective treatment [2]. She identified smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity as risk factors and suggested women undertake around four hours of physical activity each week [2].

Who is affected

• Women in Pakistan are the primary focus, particularly those aged 40 and above, who Dr. Soomro recommended discuss mammography with healthcare providers [2].
• Students at the University of Chenab and Punjab University participated in these awareness efforts [1, 3].
• Women in rural areas were identified by Ayesha Manzoor Wattoo as a group needing increased awareness [3].

What students should do next

• Students at Punjab University were urged by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali to act as ambassadors for the cause by spreading awareness within their communities [3].
• Women are advised by experts to seek medical advice regarding unusual breast changes rather than waiting for pain to develop, as pain is not usually an early warning sign [2].
• Dr. Soomro recommended that women aged 40 and above seek screening at two-year intervals where appropriate [2].