Muhammad Umar Waqqas
KARACHI: Breast cancer remains one of the most common and serious health challenges facing women today. According to current observations, the disease affects women at an alarming rate, approximately one in five women is suffering from breast cancer. While it is predominantly a disease of women, it is important to remember that breast cancer can also occur in men, and awareness among all genders is essential.
Dr. Mariam Gul is a highly respected and experienced oncologist based in Karachi, Pakistan, known for her dedication to cancer care and patient advocacy. With over 24 years of clinical experience, she has treated and managed thousands of patients across leading hospitals, private clinics, and digital healthcare platforms. Through both in-clinic and online consultations, Dr. Gul continues to play a vital role in improving cancer awareness, early detection, and treatment outcomes.
Dr. Mariam says “One of the most concerning aspects of breast cancer is that it is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Late diagnosis significantly complicates treatment and reduces the chances of complete recovery. Unfortunately, lack of awareness, fear, social stigma, and limited access to screening facilities contribute to delays in seeking medical attention. The encouraging news, however, is that breast cancer is highly curable and has a great success rate when diagnosed early. Early-stage breast cancer can be treated effectively, allowing patients to return to healthy and productive lives. This is where screening plays a vital and lifesaving role.”She says “Regular screening helps detect cancer before symptoms appear. Women aged 40 years and above are strongly advised to undergo routine mammography. A mammogram is a simple imaging test that can identify abnormalities in breast tissue at a very early stage, often before a lump can be felt. Timely mammography has been proven to reduce mortality from breast cancer by enabling early intervention. In addition to medical screening, self-breast examination is extremely important and should be practiced by women of all age groups. Every female should be familiar with the normal look and feel of her body. Regular self-examination helps in identifying any unusual changes such as lumps, skin dimpling, nipple discharge, or changes in breast shape or size. Detecting these changes early and consulting a healthcare professional promptly can make a crucial difference.”
Dr. Mariam says “Treatment of breast cancer generally involves three main stages, depending on the type and stage of the disease. The first stage is surgery, which may involve removal of the tumor or, in some cases, the entire breast. This is followed by chemotherapy, which uses medications to destroy cancer cells and prevent their spread. The third stage is radiotherapy, which uses targeted radiation to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.”
“Breast cancer is not a death sentence. With awareness, timely screening, and appropriate treatment, thousands of lives can be saved. It is essential for women to prioritize their health, overcome fear, and seek medical advice without delay. Communities, families, and healthcare systems must work together to spread awareness and promote early detection. Early action saves lives because when breast cancer is found early, hope is stronger than fear.” Dr. Mariam Gul tells The Financial Daily.
